The college application process can be overwhelming—not just for students, but for parents too. Between exploring schools, test prep, essays, and financial aid, it’s easy to feel lost. But here’s the good news: by starting early and breaking things down step by step, you can help your family navigate this journey with confidence.

We’ve outlined the key milestones from sophomore year through senior year, along with specific ways parents can offer support at each stage.

Sophomore Year: Laying the Foundation

While college applications may seem far off, sophomore year is the time to start building a strong academic and extracurricular profile.

How You Can Help:

• Encourage strong study habits: Help your child establish a homework routine and develop time management skills.
• Support academic growth: If they’re struggling in a subject, consider tutoring or extra help early on.
• Explore extracurriculars together: Colleges love students who are committed leaders in their passions—whether it’s sports, clubs, volunteering, or creative projects.
• Make Summers Count: Try to create meaningful summer experiences through internships or work, research, or competitive programs like Johns Hopkins CTY camps.

Junior Year: The Crucial Year

Junior year is when the college application process kicks into high gear. This is the time for serious test prep or getting tests out of the way early, strong grades and AP tests, and researching specific colleges together.

How You Can Help:

• Help students stay focused on the primary goal, great grades & test scores: GPA, AP/IB scores, and SAT/ACT scores are key.
• Encourage SAT/ACT prep: Use free resources from SAT.org or ACT.org. Consider a tutor if your student needs help.
• Have open conversations about student goals: Big vs. small school, interests, and environment.
• Schedule college visits: Visit campuses or attend virtual tours together.
• Build on extracurricular foundation & seek leadership positions: Run clubs, take leadership roles, or create new initiatives.
• Strengthen relationships with teachers and advisors: Teachers, coaches, or counselors may write recommendations.

Summer Before Senior Year: Get a Head Start

How You Can Help:

• Decide where to apply early: Target or reach schools, consider rolling admissions.
• Encourage early essay drafts: Read drafts, brainstorm ideas, but don’t write for them.
• Continue SAT/ACT prep if needed: Take real tests early and often.
• Build your circle of advisors: Friends, family, and counselors for support and alumni letters.

Senior Year: The Home Stretch

Fall (August - November)

• Help students stay focused on grades.
• Take final SAT/ACT tests to maximize superscore.
• Build a deadline calendar for early, rolling, and regular decisions.
• Remind them to request recommendation letters.
• Encourage essay polishing.

Winter (December - February)

• Review application deadlines.
• Submit financial aid forms: FAFSA, CSS Profile.
• Prepare for potential interviews.

Spring (March - May)

• Compare acceptance letters and financial aid offers.
• Make a final decision and celebrate!
• Help your student have fun and avoid trouble: maintain study habits to prevent last-minute issues.

Final Thoughts: Helping Your Child Succeed & Remain Sane

The college admissions journey can feel overwhelming, but beginning early with a solid plan will help your child navigate the process with confidence—and you’ll be there to support them every step of the way.

Here at Now Test Prep, we’re dedicated to making the process easier for families through personalized test prep, essay coaching, and admissions guidance. Whether it’s improving test scores, studying for AP/IB exams, crafting compelling essays, or staying on track with deadlines, we’re here to help.