Parents play a very vital role in their son or daughter's college decision. One of the most important roles parents can provide is emotional support from the time the student begins the journey to the completion of the final steps.

Sometimes a student is overwhelmed by all the work that needs to be completed for college. Parents can assist the student in the following ways:

• Development of a calendar of important dates such a testing dates, college visits and application and scholarship deadlines.
  
  
• Remind the student that college selection is a "process;" and therefore pacing work out will build a stronger foundation.
  
  
• High school seniors have very busy lives. Parents can help them find a balance  of academics, extracurricular activities, work and social events.
  
  
• Parents can provide insight and knowledge about their son/daughter that will give the consultant additional information to factor into the college decision.
  
  
• Be realistic about family financial resources available to fund the decision.
  
  
• Be prepared with the documents needed to apply for financial aid in a timely manner.
  
  
• Inquire about scholarship programs at the colleges that will be considered as well as those scholarships in the community.
  
  
• Be supportive of the developmental transition from high school to college including skills such as managing money, emotional adjustments, decision making and personal safety.