For parents, the college admissions process can feel like a high-stakes journey, with every decision feeling critical to their future success. However, as your teen prepares for college, it’s important to remember that change is not only natural but beneficial.
Two key pieces of advice can make a lasting difference: embracing change as a driver of personal growth and exploring a wide range of college options. Let’s explore how these two principles can guide your teen toward a successful college experience—and why parents should embrace their child’s evolving interests without worry.
Embracing Change as a Path to Growth
Change is inevitable— I know that’s cliché, but it’s so familiar because it makes so much sense! High school is a time of exploration; your teen will experience new activities, subjects, and opportunities along the way. Their extracurricular activities, academic interests, and even professional aspirations may shift, which is a natural part of their personal development.
Instead of being concerned about these changes, encourage your teen to see them as opportunities for growth. Trying out new activities or courses exposes them to previously undiscovered interests and talents, helping them build a well-rounded education. Whether they decide to drop a long-held extracurricular activity, switch electives, or dump what they once called their dream major, it’s all part of a larger process of self-discovery. Their adaptability will be one of their greatest assets, not just in college but in life.
Supporting your teen as they embrace change will help them adapt with confidence to new challenges. Remind them (and yourself) that today’s passions may not be tomorrow’s career path. That’s okay. What matters most is that they are learning about themselves and building the resilience to navigate an increasingly unpredictable world.
Exploring Diverse College Options
When considering colleges, it’s tempting to focus on a handful of top-ranked schools or select programs based on your teen’s current interests. But encouraging them to explore a broader range of colleges with diverse offerings can be a game-changer. Colleges that offer flexibility—both in their academic structure and extracurricular opportunities—give students the freedom to pivot if their interests change.
While your teen may feel strongly about one subject today, a college with a broad spectrum of majors and interdisciplinary studies ensures that they won’t be constrained by limited options. The best “fit” is one that encourages exploration and growth, rather than locking them into a specific academic path. Encourage your teen to research schools that offer flexibility in course selection, support for switching majors, and a variety of extracurricular activities.
Campus visits—whether virtual or in person—can provide valuable insights into each school’s culture and opportunities. Encourage your teen to connect with students and faculty to learn how the college supports change and exploration. A campus that encourages curiosity and experimentation can set the stage for a more fulfilling and adaptable college experience.
Supporting Your Teen’s Journey Without Worry
As a parent, your support is key during this time of transition. One of the best things you can do is foster open communication with your teen about their evolving goals and interests—without adding unnecessary pressure. College admissions can be stressful enough without the worry of disappointing others if their plans shift. Assure them that changing their mind is a normal and healthy part of finding their path.
Instead of seeing college admissions as a race to the “right” school or program, emphasize the importance of finding their right college—one that aligns with their evolving interests. This way, your teen can embrace change with confidence, knowing it is part of their personal growth and long-term success.
Flexibility and Creativity: The Key to Future Success
As you guide your high-achieving teen through college admissions, it’s important to recognize that flexibility and adaptability are critical job talents for the next generation of professionals. In a world shaped by rapid technological advancements, industries and careers are evolving at an alarming pace. The ability to adapt to these changes and approach challenges with creativity will be essential in navigating a career landscape that may look entirely different from today.
By encouraging your teen to embrace change and explore diverse college options, you’re helping them develop the very skills that will set them apart in the future job market.
Fitz has dedicated the entirety of his 28 year career to encouraging higher education opportunities. He worked in the Vanderbilt, Duke Law and St. Lawrence admissions offices prior to serving as an enrollment management consultant for 200+ selective colleges around the country. He created Find The Right College to make trustworthy college counseling more accessible. Fitz is also the father of two teens so he also understands first-hand the challenges associated with a college search.
