Senior year is here – a milestone moment filled with excitement, anticipation, and, yes, some stress. For many families, 12th grade is the year when years of preparation finally come together in the form of college applications, financial aid forms, and the big decisions that shape the next chapter.
As a parent, you play an important role in helping your teen navigate this busy season. Below are practical tips and reminders to help you guide your student through the college planning process while keeping the experience as calm and productive as possible.
Stay on Top of Applications
By fall of senior year, your student should be finalizing personal statements and supplemental essays. Encourage them to:
- Review each essay for clarity, authenticity, and proofreading.
- Seek feedback from a trusted mentor, teacher, or counselor—but make sure the voice remains their own.
- Aim to submit applications at least a week before the deadline. Early submissions reduce stress and ensure applications are among the first reviewed.
Parent tip: Work with your teen to create a shared spreadsheet with all application requirements and deadlines. This helps everyone stay accountable and avoids last-minute surprises.
Prioritize Financial Aid and Scholarships
October marks the opening of the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Families should complete this as soon as possible since some aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Double-check whether each college requires additional financial aid forms, such as the CSS Profile.
- Encourage your teen to research and apply for scholarships. Even smaller awards can add up and ease financial stress later.
Parent tip: Keep a digital folder of all financial documents so everything is ready when deadlines arrive.
Prepare for College Interviews
If interviews are offered, encourage your teen to take advantage of them. Interviews—whether on campus, virtual, or with alumni—offer an opportunity to show personality beyond the application.
- Help your student brainstorm thoughtful questions to ask.
- Remind them to practice good interview etiquette: punctuality, note-taking, and follow-up thank-you notes.
- Role-play a short mock interview to build confidence.
Build Healthy Habits During a Stressful Season
Senior year can be emotionally draining. Between schoolwork, applications, extracurriculars, and looming life changes, students often feel overwhelmed.
- Encourage your teen to take breaks, exercise, and prioritize sleep.
- Remind them to engage in positive, supportive conversations with friends and family. Not every detail of the process needs to be shared with everyone.
- Most importantly—remind them (and yourself) to breathe.
Support Without Taking Over
Perhaps the hardest part of senior-year parenting is striking the balance between being supportive and giving your teen independence. Remember:
- Offer structure and reminders, but let your student take the lead.
- Celebrate small wins along the way—finishing an essay, submitting an application, or completing the FAFSA.
- Keep perspective: this is a season of growth, not just deadlines.
College planning in 12th grade is a team effort. While your student drives the process, your guidance, organization, and encouragement can make all the difference. Stay focused on the big picture: helping your child transition successfully into young adulthood with resilience, confidence, and purpose.
Updated 8/29/25. Expanded article based on a piece publised in NYMetroParents: helpful insight for parents of 12th grade students by the founder of Novella Prep.