Helping My Daughter Find Colleges While She Takes the Lead

City: The college search journey is on for my daughter, who’s in her senior year of high school. As her mom, I’m here to help, but she’s the one leading the way. I’m suggesting schools to check out and reminding her that I’m always available if she needs me.

With so many colleges out there, this process can feel overwhelming yet exciting. I want to make her senior year as smooth as possible while also stepping back a bit as she transitions into adulthood. It’s all about finding that balance.

This is my second time going through this since her older brother is already in college. Each kid is different, and they have their own unique ways of tackling things. During her brother’s search, we learned a lot about what to expect, from applications to financial aid. Now, we can approach this with a bit more confidence, but I still need to let my daughter find the right fit for herself.

I’m giving her the freedom to apply to a variety of schools without too many restrictions. Sure, not every school will be a perfect match, and we have to consider costs, but it’s important for her to explore her options. This way, she can feel good knowing she’s looked at different possibilities.

When it comes to college visits, I think it’s great to see schools in person. Nowadays, there are so many ways to check out colleges, from virtual tours to social media. I encourage her to visit as many schools as she can, especially the ones she’s really interested in. She gets to choose which ones to explore, and I’m all in for that.

I’m also here to provide feedback, but I want her to form her own opinions. My thoughts are just that—thoughts. I want to share insights she might not have considered, especially since I’ve been through this before. We’ll talk about costs, locations, and safety, but I want our discussions to be open and flexible.

Most importantly, I remind her that I’m always here for support. Even though she’s leading the way, I want her to know she can come to me for advice or just a listening ear. As a mom, I’m excited to guide her through this process while giving her the space to make her own choices. I trust she’ll find the college that’s right for her as she embarks on this new adventure.