What is a College Prep Check-in?
A College Prep Check-In is a time to think about and take small actions toward college preparation. It’s an intentional pause in the busy schedules of both parents and students—a chance to focus on whatever will best set the student up for success in their college journey. Over time, the focus shifts from choosing classes and extracurricular activities to taking concrete steps. Similarly, early in the process a parent may meet with a college consultant or educational planner, and later in the process the student may either meet wih the consultant or work on their own, with guidance from the consultant. The student learns how to plan and build a strong case for their preferred path. By the time they apply to college, they have a great story ready to tell. College Prep Check-ins can keep the process balanced, manageable, focused, and ultimately, successful.
It sounds a game: should we call it College Game Day?
It's true that preparing for college can have game-like qualities. There are strategies to develop, plays to make, and goals to achieve. Just as coaches help players prepare for football games, many students benefit from having a coach or mentor who will help them prepare for their college journey. But unlike ESPN’s College Game Day, we're not focused on football rivalries and roaring crowds. True success in the College Game comes when each student disconnects from the crowd and considers who they are as an individual, what activities energize them, and what they want from college and life.
True success in the College Game comes when a student disconnects from the crowd and considers who they are as an individual, what activities energize them, and what they want from college and life.
For example, disconnecting from the crowd might mean choosing a unique extracurricular activity that aligns with personal passions, rather than joining a club just because many peers are doing it. By designating certain times for focused check-ins, students can better prepare themselves for the college process and make incremental progress over time.
Why Set Aside Certain Days for This?
I came up with the idea of College Prep Check-In Day to help families strike a balance—between over-focusing on college prep and procrastinating until the last-minute rush of junior year. It’s meant to address the stress some parents feel, which can lead to frequently bringing up college-related topics, and the pressure some students put on themselves. As with financial investments, small and consistent “investments” in the college journey can yield better results than sudden bursts of intense activity. Setting aside regular, intentional time helps the process feel less overwhelming while still keeping progress steady. For many families, a rhythm of working with a consultant once a month and independently once a week can work well.
If you tend to over-focus on college, try limiting yourself to one day a week when you'll bring up college-related topics.
During these check-in days, students could research potential colleges, work on their personal statements, or explore extracurricular activities that align with their interests. A college consultant can help the student focus their time on the activities that are most important for them at each stage in the process.
How Many College Prep Check-In Days Should We Have Each Year?
The frequency of College Prep Check-In Days will shift as students move closer to application time. Here’s a general timeline to help you get started:
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7th Grade: 1 day/year
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8th Grade: 2 days/year
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9th Grade to Early 10th Grade: 3 days/year
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Spring of 10th Grade: 1 day/month
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Junior Year: 1 day/month if you started early; otherwise, 2-4 days/month to catch up
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Rising Seniors and Seniors: As needed to meet application goals and deadlines.
By treating college preparation as a series of manageable check-in days, students can build their confidence, improve their options, and ultimately make the journey more balanced and less stressful. This approach also helps parents feel more at ease, knowing that progress is being made steadily without overwhelming their child.
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