Major Points to Remember
- Start preparing for college during your student’s junior year by reviewing transcripts, discussing finances, and planning campus visits to make the Newman University application process smooth and stress-free.
- Submit the Newman application as early as July 1 before senior year, allowing your family to focus on scholarship opportunities and financial planning well before deadlines.
- Early January is the deadline for Newman’s special scholarships, including opportunities for full-tuition awards that require early preparation.
- The FAFSA becomes available on October 1 of senior year; completing it promptly provides the most accurate financial picture for comparing Newman with other institutions.
- Newman’s admissions team provides personalized guidance throughout every step of the college preparation process, from the first campus visits to enrollment and orientation.
The path to college begins long before your student receives their acceptance letter. For families considering Newman University, having a clear plan can make what feels like an overwhelming process into a series of manageable steps. This comprehensive timeline will guide you through the important milestones from junior year through the summer before college, ensuring both you and your student feel confident and ready for this exciting transition.
Begin Ahead of Time: Vital College Planning in Junior Year
Springtime during junior year is the perfect moment to kick off serious planning for college. As your student is concentrating on their academics and extracurricular activities, you can assist in setting the stage that will reduce stress levels in senior year. Starting ahead of time provides your family the opportunity to deeply investigate options, tour campuses when they are bustling with activity, and carefully contemplate the financial aspects without the strain of approaching deadlines.
Timeline for Researching and Visiting Campuses
Start talking about college with your student in the spring of their junior year. Focus the conversation on their interests, values, and goals rather than specific colleges. Once you’ve established some parameters, research together which colleges might be a good fit. If you’re considering Newman University specifically, try to schedule an initial campus visit in the spring of their junior year if you can, or plan for early fall of their senior year when the campus is full of activity.
When planning your campus visit, consider more than just the standard tour. Newman offers the opportunity to meet with professors in your student’s major, attend classes, and even follow a current student for a day. These personalized experiences give a much more in-depth look at the campus than a general tour. Try to visit when students are on campus and not on break or during finals for the most realistic campus experience.
Checking GPA and Planning for Tests
During the spring of your child’s junior year, schedule a meeting with their high school counselor to review their transcript and current GPA. This will help you understand their academic standing and whether they might benefit from summer courses or additional senior year classes. Newman University does not require standardized test scores, but they can enhance scholarship applications. The spring of junior year is the best time to start preparing for the ACT/SAT, and your child can use the summer to study before possible test dates in the fall.
Chat with your child about whether test prep classes, private tutoring, or self-study with free resources would be most effective based on how they learn. If your child has already taken these tests, go over the scores to see if it might be helpful to take them again. Keep in mind that while Newman doesn’t require scores to be considered for scholarships, submitting them can sometimes make a student’s application look better, especially for top scholarships.
Talking About College Finances with Your Teen
During your teen’s junior year, you should start discussing college finances. This can be an awkward conversation, but it’s important to be honest about what your family can afford. This will help your teen have realistic expectations and avoid disappointment later on. You should explain how much you can contribute each year, whether or not student loans are an option, and how much your teen might need to contribute from their own earnings or savings.
Organizing Your Finances for FAFSA
The summer before your child’s senior year is a great time to start gathering the financial documents you’ll need for the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Having a specific folder, either physical or digital, for these documents will save you a lot of time and headaches when the application opens on October 1.
- Tax returns from the prior year (for 2026 enrollment, you’ll need 2024 returns)
- W-2 forms and other income records
- Bank statements and investment records
- Social Security numbers for parents and student
- Driver’s license numbers
- List of colleges your student is considering (including Newman)
Consider attending a FAFSA preparation workshop either through your student’s high school or online. Newman’s financial aid office also provides resources to help families prepare. Getting organized early prevents last-minute scrambling for documents and ensures you won’t miss priority financial aid deadlines that could impact funding.
Summer Before Senior Year: Taking the First Steps
The summer before senior year is a valuable time for families to get a head start on the college preparation process. Newman’s application for Fall 2026 admission opens on July 1. This provides families with the opportunity to complete this major step before the academic demands of senior year start. By using this time wisely, your student can increase their chances of receiving scholarships and reduce the stress of last-minute preparations.
What to Prepare for Newman Application Opening on July 1
Take note: The application for Fall 2026 admission at Newman University will be open on July 1, 2025. If your student submits an application during the summer, they will have a competitive edge for scholarship consideration and housing preferences. The online application usually takes 30-45 minutes to finish if all the materials are prepared, making it a task that can be easily managed over the summer.
Before your student sits down to fill out the application, gather their high school transcript information, activities list, and any test scores if you’re choosing to submit them. While official transcripts will be requested later, having this information on hand will make the application process go more smoothly. Remember that Newman’s admissions team looks at applications from a holistic perspective, taking into account academic achievement, involvement in extracurricular activities, and personal character.
Building a Scholarship Research Schedule
The summer season is an ideal time to build a thorough scholarship research schedule. There are many private, community, and national scholarships available in addition to Newman’s institutional scholarships. These scholarships have deadlines throughout the year, with many external scholarships having deadlines in the fall and winter. This makes summer research essential so that no opportunities are missed.
First, make a spreadsheet to keep track of scholarship names, eligibility requirements, application components (like essays and recommendations), and submission deadlines. Be sure to include both Newman-specific scholarships and external opportunities. Organize them in order of their deadlines. This way, you can break down what seems like an overwhelming process into smaller, more manageable steps. Plus, you won’t miss out on any opportunities.
Visiting the Campus During the School Year
Visiting Newman over the summer might be easier to fit into your schedule, but there’s nothing like experiencing the campus when it’s bustling with students. Try to arrange a visit during the fall semester so your child can get a sense of the campus’s vibrant energy and student life. The admissions team at Newman offers a variety of visit formats to suit your child’s unique needs and interests.
Our Senior Day event, which usually takes place in the early fall, offers an in-depth look at Newman through presentations, tours of the campus, and chances to meet with our faculty and students. For a more tailored experience, you can schedule a personalized visit. This allows you to customize your visit to our campus and may include sitting in on a class, meeting with professors, or talking to financial aid counselors. It’s a good idea to schedule these visits early because they fill up fast.
Fall of Senior Year: College Applications and Financial Aid
When senior year starts, getting ready for college moves into full swing with the submission of applications and the start of the financial aid process. Having a structured plan for these critical months can help manage deadlines while also managing ongoing school responsibilities. The fall is the busiest time in the college preparation timeline, requiring a close eye for detail and active communication with admissions offices.
Visiting Newman: Senior Day and Personalized Visits
When it comes to visiting Newman University in the fall semester, there are two main types of visits to choose from, each with their own unique benefits. Senior Day events offer a detailed look at what Newman has to offer academically, socially, and financially, all in a group setting. These events are a great way for your student to get all the information they need while also getting the chance to meet their potential future classmates.
On the other hand, personalized visits offer a highly individualized campus experience that is tailored to your student’s specific interests. These visits can include meetings with faculty in your student’s intended major, sitting in on classes, connecting with coaches or activity directors, and detailed financial aid conversations. For students who are seriously considering Newman, scheduling both types of visits provides complementary perspectives—the energy of Senior Day combined with the individualized attention of a personalized visit.
FAFSA Completion Guide for Parents
Circle October 1 on your calendar as a crucial date in preparing for college: it’s when the FAFSA application opens. The sooner you complete this form, the sooner you’ll have a clear idea of your eligibility for financial aid and the more likely your student will be considered for the maximum amount of funding. Newman uses the information from the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal, state, and institutional need-based aid.
For a smooth FAFSA completion, have all financial documents you organized during summer preparation on hand. This includes tax returns, W-2 forms, and bank statements. Make your FSA ID a few days before you start the application because it may need some time to process. Set aside about 45-60 minutes for the first completion and work with your student to make sure it’s accurate.
Keep in mind that Newman’s financial aid office is there to help you complete your FAFSA if you have any questions. Submitting it early not only guarantees you’ll be considered for the most aid possible, but it also gives you more time to compare financial aid packages and make the best decision for you.
Keeping Track of Application Materials and Deadlines
Setting up a system to keep track of application materials can help ensure that no requirements are overlooked and no deadlines are missed. The application process at Newman involves several elements, such as the completed application form, high school transcript, and optional test scores. Depending on your student’s situation, the admissions office might also ask for more information.
Ask for your official high school transcripts early in the fall to give yourself plenty of time before the deadlines. If you’re sending in test scores, make sure you have the right institutional codes for Newman so they get to the right place. And most importantly, check with Newman’s admissions office about two weeks after you send everything in to make sure they got it all, and take care of anything that’s missing right away.
Deciphering Your Estimated Financial Aid Package
As soon as your Newman application and FAFSA are in, you’ll start getting estimated financial aid details. Newman usually gives initial estimates based on GPA and test scores (if you’ve submitted them), with more comprehensive packages coming after your FAFSA is processed. Make sure you go over these estimates thoroughly, paying attention to the split between scholarships, grants, work-study, and loans. This early info will help you figure out possible out-of-pocket expenses and compare Newman to other schools you’re looking at.
Feel free to arrange a meeting with Newman’s admissions counselors to go over your estimated package. They can break down each part, answer questions about work-study opportunities, and address any worries about meeting remaining costs. These discussions can often uncover additional scholarship or funding options you may not have thought of. Keep all financial aid paperwork organized in your college planning folder for easy comparison when final offers come in.
Exclusive Scholarship Programs at Newman
Newman University presents a variety of distinguished scholarship programs that can greatly lower educational expenses, but they necessitate early planning and adherence to deadlines. Being aware of these opportunities from the get-go enables your student to create compelling applications and turn in all required materials punctually.
What Parents Should Know About the January 2026 Deadline
At Newman University, January is the crucial deadline for our most valuable scholarship opportunity, the St. Newman full tuition scholarship. This includes the St. Newman full tuition scholarship, the McNeill $20,000 annual scholarship, and ASC service scholarships. If this deadline is missed, students will not be considered for these significant awards, no matter how qualified they may be.
In order to meet this deadline successfully, your student must first be accepted to Newman University before scholarship applications can be submitted. This sequential requirement underscores the importance of completing the general Newman application well before December 1st, ideally by early November. Create calendar reminders for both the acceptance requirement and the scholarship deadline to ensure nothing falls through the cracks during this busy season.
Eligibility for the St. Newman Full Tuition Scholarship
The St. Newman Scholarship is the most prestigious award at Newman, offering full tuition coverage for students who meet the criteria. This scholarship is highly competitive and considers factors such as academic performance, leadership skills, community engagement, and compatibility with Newman’s values. Successful applicants usually have excellent GPAs, high test scores (if provided), and a history of leadership roles in their school and community.
The application process includes a comprehensive written component exploring the student’s educational goals, leadership philosophy, and commitment to service. Selected finalists participate in an interview day on campus, typically scheduled in late January or early February. In 2026, interview days are set for January 17 and 24.
Preparing for this scholarship requires thoughtful reflection on how your student’s values align with Newman’s mission and how they envision contributing to the university community.
McNeill and ASC Service Scholarships
The McNeill Scholarship is a $20,000 per year award given to students who excel academically, show leadership potential, and are committed to service. Honoring our school’s first president, the Monsignor McNeill Scholarship is automatically awarded at the time of acceptance to students who self-report a 3.90 GPA or higher.
This scholarship is automatically renewable for up to 5 years/10 semesters total as long as the student maintains a 3.00+ GPA, completes 32 hours of community service each semester, and continues to enroll full time.
Named for and sponsored by the founders of Newman University, the Adorers of the Blood of Christ or “ASC” sisters, the ASC Scholarship is automatically awarded at the time of acceptance to students who self-report a 3.75-3.89 GPA.
This scholarship is automatically renewable for up to 5 years/10 semesters total as long as the student maintains a 2.50+ GPA, completes 45 hours of community service each semester, and continues to enroll full time. The ASC Service Scholarships are for high achieving students who are dedicated to community service and social justice initiatives, which are key values of Newman.
Encourage your student to highlight specific service experiences rather than listing general activities, focusing on depth of involvement and measurable impact rather than quantity of hours.
The Importance of Gaining Acceptance Prior to Applying for Scholarships
At Newman, the scholarship application process is designed to be sequential. First, students must gain acceptance to the university. Only then can they submit scholarship applications for review. This process is designed to ensure that only qualified students who meet the university’s admission requirements are considered for scholarships. When planning your timeline, be sure to allow at least two weeks between the time you submit your application and the time you begin preparing your scholarship application.
Parents, if your child has their heart set on Newman and they’re planning to apply for specific scholarships, try to finish and send off the general application by the middle of October. This gives enough time for the application to be processed and leaves plenty of time for your child to get ready for scholarship applications before the deadline. A lot of families don’t realize that these steps need to be done in order, and they end up rushing at the last minute. But with a bit of forward planning, you can avoid all that stress.
Winter: The Time to Weigh the Pros and Cons
Winter is a great time for your student to sit down and compare colleges as they receive their acceptance letters and financial aid packages. It’s important to have open and honest discussions about what your family can afford, what schools would be a good academic fit, and where your student would like to go. Having a systematic approach to this phase can help you make a well-rounded decision that considers both your finances and your student’s educational goals.
Building a Spreadsheet for Comparing Net Prices
When your child receives their final acceptance letters and financial aid packages from Newman and other colleges, you should make a thorough comparison spreadsheet. This spreadsheet should have columns for the total cost of attendance, scholarships and grants (money that doesn’t need to be paid back), work-study opportunities, and loans. Then, for each college, calculate the “net price”—the real cost after scholarships and grants have been subtracted.
Don’t just focus on the cost of the first year, but look at the entire financial picture. You should take into account scholarship renewal requirements, possible tuition increases in the following years, and four-year graduation rates. Newman’s high four-year graduation rate can mean significant savings compared to schools where it’s common to take five or six years to graduate. Add columns for these long-term factors to make truly informed comparisons.
What to Ask on Your Second Visit to Campus
Winter and early spring are great times to revisit Newman and your other top-choice schools. This time, you should have more specific questions about academic programs, student support services, and financial considerations. Make a list of questions that are specific to your student’s interests and concerns. This will help you differentiate between your final choices.
Think about setting up appointments with financial aid advisors to go over any queries about aid packages, teachers in your child’s chosen major to delve into curriculum specifics, and current students for straightforward discussions about life on campus. A lot of families discover that these concentrated follow-up visits offer the clearness needed for final decisions, uncovering facets of campus culture and community that aren’t obvious during general tours.
Talking to Your Student about FERPA Release
When your student turns 18 or starts attending a post-secondary institution, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) shifts privacy rights from you to them. This is a big change, as it means you can’t access their grades, financial information, or other educational records without their explicit permission. It’s a good idea to talk to your student about this in the winter, well before they start college.
During enrollment, Newman gives out FERPA release forms. However, it’s up to your student whether or not they want to fill them out. You should have open discussions about your expectations for updates on their academic progress, access to financial information, and communication with university offices. While you should respect your student’s growing independence, you should also talk about how sharing information can make it easier for your family to continue supporting them throughout their college journey.
Springtime Commitments and Financial Planning
Spring is the time when your student’s college decision becomes a reality. Once your student has chosen Newman, there are a number of practical steps to take to secure their spot and prepare for enrollment in the fall. It’s a good idea to make a checklist of these requirements to make sure nothing falls through the cracks during the busy senior year.
Timeline and Process for Enrollment Deposit
Once your student has decided on Newman, it’s important to submit the enrollment deposit quickly to guarantee their spot in the incoming class. The deposit, which is usually due by May 1st, holds their academic spot and makes them eligible for housing assignment. Newman will accept deposits throughout the spring and summer if there’s room, but submitting the deposit early gives your student the best options for housing and registration.
Submitting your deposit to Newman is easy and can be done online. You’ll need your payment information and to confirm a few details. If you think you might qualify for a deposit waiver due to financial need, reach out to Newman’s financial aid office. Keep in mind that deposits usually go toward your first-semester bill and aren’t an extra expense.
How to Apply for Housing and When
Students who want to live on campus will need to fill out a housing application soon after they submit their enrollment deposit. Newman usually assigns housing on a first-come, first-served basis, according to class standing. That means it’s a good idea to apply as soon as possible if you want your first choice of housing. The application will ask for your roommate preferences, answers to questions about your lifestyle, and any special accommodations you might need.
Help your student understand that they should fill out housing preference forms truthfully instead of trying to match their answers with potential roommates. These forms are designed to help find the best living arrangements. Talk about what they should expect living in a residence hall, such as sharing spaces, community standards, and learning to live with roommates who may have different habits and preferences.
End-of-High-School Transcript and Vaccination Records
Before the fall term begins, Newman needs to see a copy of your student’s final high school transcript that shows they graduated. After your student graduates, ask their high school to send the final transcript directly to Newman’s admissions office. You’ll also need to gather up all your student’s immunization records. Make sure you have records of all the vaccinations required by Kansas law for college students. For example, students who live in campus housing must have had a meningitis vaccination.
Summer Before College: Making the Transition Successful
The summer months before college are a crucial time for both practical preparations and emotional adjustment. It’s a chance for families to take care of the logistical details while also beginning the important psychological shift from high school to college life. By balancing practical tasks with meaningful conversations, both students and parents can make the transition smoother. For more detailed guidance, consider visiting the Newman University admissions page.
Creating a summer timeline helps manage the many details involved in college preparation without becoming overwhelmed. Divide tasks between early summer (June), mid-summer (July), and late summer (August) to spread responsibilities and prevent last-minute scrambling. This approach allows adequate time for emotional processing alongside practical preparations.
Flight Night Experience
Flight Night at Newman provides incoming students with an overnight campus experience in June, giving them a sneak peek of what college life is like. This orientation event is a mix of informational sessions and social activities, allowing students to start making connections before the fall semester starts. Parents have their own informational sessions where they can learn about everything from financial processes to how to support their student’s success.
Usually, Flight Night registration opens in April and there are limited spots. The program includes an overnight stay in the dorms so students can get a feel for what living on campus is really like. If parents are planning on attending the parent sessions, which usually span two days, they should plan to stay at a nearby hotel.
Many families have told us that after Flight Night, their students feel much more at ease about the move to college life. The friendships that are made during this event often give important peer support during the all-important first few weeks of freshman year.
What to Do Before Your Student Moves In
The weeks leading up to move-in day are full of important tasks that need to be completed. A checklist that covers academic preparations, living essentials, financial matters, and technology requirements is an excellent way to keep track of everything. Newman provides a list of recommended items to bring to the residence halls, as well as a list of prohibited items. After your student receives their course schedule, you can start looking for textbooks. The online Newman bookstore is a good place to start, but don’t forget to check other sources as well to see if you can find a better deal.
Discussing Communication for the First Year
Summer is a great time to talk about how often you’ll be in touch during the school year. Discuss how often you’ll check in, how you’ll communicate, and when it’s okay to contact each other. Many families set up a weekly call, but understand that this might change as students get used to being on campus.
Talk about how you’ll manage emergencies, including when immediate contact is required versus when students should deal with issues on their own. These discussions establish crucial boundaries that respect your student’s increasing autonomy while preserving family ties.
Don’t forget that we live in a time where technology provides us with a variety of communication options that go beyond the traditional phone call. Some families find that text messaging, video chats, or even shared digital calendars are great ways to stay connected without infringing on the independence that their student is trying to develop. The right approach will vary from family to family and will depend on the dynamics of the relationship and the preferences of the student.
Getting Emotionally Ready: For Parents and Students
Getting emotionally ready for college can be more difficult than getting practically ready. Both parents and students can have a lot of mixed feelings as this big life change gets closer. It’s important to talk about these feelings so everyone can adjust in a healthy way.
- Understand that it’s normal to feel both excited and anxious during this time of change
- Address specific worries instead of vague fears about adjusting to college life
- Talk about your own college days, but remember that things are different now
- Think about how to offer support without encouraging dependence
- Remember that everyone needs time to adjust to new situations
Parents often concentrate so much on getting their student ready for college that they forget to prepare themselves for the changes ahead. Think about how your day-to-day life will be different, what new hobbies or activities you might take up now that you have more time, and how the dynamics in your family might shift. Some parents find it helpful to connect with other parents who are going through the same experience.
Keep in mind that successful transitions involve both holding on and letting go. Maintaining family traditions while welcoming new independence strikes a balance during this critical life phase. Newman’s parent resources offer guidance for thoughtfully navigating this emotional landscape.
Work With Newman’s Admissions Team Every Step of the Way
The admissions team at Newman University is here to help guide you through every step of preparing for college. From the first time you reach out to us to the moment you enroll, our team is here to help students and parents alike. We encourage you to reach out to your assigned admissions counselor as soon as possible. Building a relationship with them can make the whole process of preparing for college much easier.
An admissions counselor is there to offer individualized advice that takes into account your student’s particular interests, academic history, and financial situation. They act as your advocates within the school, putting you in touch with the right departments and resources when you have questions. If you have any questions at any stage of the process, don’t hesitate to ask. These professionals are well-versed in the intricacies of preparing for college and are more than willing to assist.
- Get in touch with your assigned counselor early in the process through Newman’s website
- Keep their contact information handy for when you have questions
- Heed their advice about when to apply and how to be considered for scholarships
- Include them in your decision-making process by asking them honest questions
- Take advantage of their knowledge about Newman’s unique programs and opportunities
Keep in mind that Newman’s admissions team defines success as finding the right fit for each student, not just increasing enrollment numbers. They can give you an honest evaluation of how Newman might meet your student’s educational goals and provide clear information about costs, academic expectations, and what life on campus is like.
Common Questions
Parents who are helping their children prepare for college often have similar questions. These answers should help, but please remember that everyone’s situation is unique. If you need more specific advice, you may want to speak with someone in Newman’s admissions or financial aid offices.
Keep in mind that asking questions shows involvement, not a lack of knowledge. Newman’s staff are always open to questions and value parents who ask for more information to make educated choices.
When is the best time to visit Newman if we’re seriously considering it?
If Newman is on your student’s short list, try to plan your first visit in the spring of their junior year or in the early fall of their senior year. This gives your student a chance to see the campus when it’s bustling with students and to get a feel for the day-to-day life at Newman. It also leaves time for a second visit to address any lingering questions or concerns. If Newman is still a top choice after your student has done their research, a second visit in their senior year can provide more specialized experiences like sitting in on a class or meeting with faculty in their intended major.
For families who live far away or have busy schedules, online information sessions and virtual tours can be a good substitute for in-person visits. Newman offers these online resources throughout the year, so you can choose a time that works best for you. However, most families find that there’s no substitute for visiting in person and getting a feel for the campus and community.
Should my student apply early or wait until after first semester senior grades?
At Newman University, there are many benefits to submitting an application early and virtually no downsides. Applications open on July 1 before the senior year begins, so your student can complete the application over the summer before the school year starts and the academic workload increases. By submitting an application early, your student will be in the best position for maximum scholarship consideration and will have more time to prepare for any special scholarship applications. Plus, because Newman offers rolling admissions, early applicants usually receive their decisions faster, which can help reduce any uncertainty during the senior year.
Should your student’s academic performance show steady improvement, with the expectation of higher grades in the fall of their senior year, get in touch with your admissions counselor to talk about this. In some instances, additional grade reports can be included in applications after they’ve been initially submitted, which could potentially improve scholarship consideration. Your counselor can provide guidance on whether it might be beneficial to wait in your particular situation, or if it’s still advantageous to apply early and update the information later.
How can we find out if our student is eligible for special scholarships?
Newman uses several methods to communicate scholarship eligibility, such as acceptance packets, online student portals, and direct outreach for competitive scholarship opportunities. Once accepted, students will receive information about scholarships for which they are automatically eligible based on their academic credentials. They will also receive applications for special scholarships that require additional materials. For competitive scholarships like the St. Newman award, qualified applicants will be invited to submit additional materials and may be asked to participate in an interview process.
What happens if our financial circumstances change after we file the FAFSA?
If you experience a significant change in your financial situation after you’ve submitted your FAFSA, Newman’s financial aid appeal process can help. If you’ve lost your job, have major medical expenses, or have experienced another significant change in your family’s circumstances, you may be eligible for special consideration. Contact Newman’s financial aid office as soon as possible to request a professional judgment review. This will require documentation of the change in circumstances and may require updated financial information.
Every family’s situation is evaluated individually in these reviews, and financial aid packages are adjusted if documented changes justify it. Not all appeals will result in additional funding, but Newman’s financial aid team is committed to making education affordable for families who are truly struggling financially.
Timeline for Requesting Professional Judgment: As soon as there is a change in your financial situation, submit your request. Don’t wait until the bill is due. Submitting early gives us enough time to process your request and explore all possible adjustments. Once we receive all your documentation, most reviews are completed within 2-3 weeks.
Keep in mind that being open and honest with financial aid counselors offers the best chance for finding suitable solutions to changed circumstances. These professionals have a wealth of experience in helping families overcome financial difficulties while ensuring access to education.
What is the right level of parental involvement in the college application process?
Striking the right balance of parental involvement is a struggle for many families. The key is to provide guidance and resources while letting your student take the lead in the process. Parents can assist with researching deadlines, organizing paperwork, and handling logistics, while students should be responsible for personal essays, application responses, and direct communication with admissions offices.
Think of your involvement as a scaffold—providing structure and support while gradually transferring responsibility to your student. This approach prepares them for the independence college requires while ensuring critical deadlines and requirements aren’t overlooked. Many parents find that asking “How can I help with this process?” rather than taking control creates healthier dynamics.
At Newman, the admissions counselors appreciate the role of parents in the college application process, but they focus mainly on building relationships with potential students. They understand the importance of parental involvement in the college decision-making process, but they also respect the students’ role as the main decision-makers about their future education.
Getting ready for college is a critical step towards becoming an independent adult. By offering the right support without interfering too much, you can help your child develop important self-advocacy skills that will benefit them throughout their college years and afterwards.
