If you're about to start the college admissions process, you're not alone.
We recently surveyed parents who just went through it, and they shared valuable insights—what worked, what didn’t, and what they wish they had known earlier.
The Biggest Challenges They Faced:
Uncertainty about how to stand out in a competitive applicant pool
Overwhelming complexity of the college application process
Pressure to start preparing as early as freshman year of high school
Concerns about affording college and navigating financial aid
Worry that not submitting scores could hurt their child’s chances
What They Tried That Didn't Work:
Waiting until senior year to start the college planning process
Focusing solely on GPA and extracurriculars without considering tests
Trying to control every aspect of the application process for their child
Applying to too many "reach" schools without safety options
Assuming "test-optional" means test scores don’t matter (spoiler: they do)
What They Wish They Had:
A clear understanding of how colleges use test scores
Generous financial aid or scholarship offers
An admissions plan with a balanced list of safety, match, and reach schools
Confidence in making the right decision about test prep and score submission
Child takes ownership of the process while parents provide support
At Test Prep Gurus, we help families navigate this process with clarity and confidence. Your child should have every opportunity to stand out—whether that means submitting test scores or crafting a compelling application without them.
If you're ready to take the guesswork out of college admissions, let’s talk. Schedule a free consultation today.