How much joy has disappeared from the college admissions process?
April 30, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.
After nearly 25 years in education, I’ve seen a lot of change. I’ve watched technology revolutionize classrooms, curriculum standards evolve, and the expectations placed on students grow year after year.
However, one shift I never expected to see, one that troubles me more deeply than any standardized test score or GPA trend, is the disappearance of joy from the college admissions process.
Once upon a time, the college search was a season of exploration, of possibility. Students approached it with a healthy mix of curiosity and excitement, dreaming of dorm rooms, new friendships, and discovering who they’d become. But today, more often than not, I meet students who are overwhelmed, anxious, and, frankly, scared.
Somewhere along the way, this journey toward higher education—something that should be inspiring—has become one of the most stressful experiences of a teenager’s life.
And now, as a parent myself, I feel this shift even more acutely.
How I Helped My Son Find Joy in His College Journey
My oldest son will graduate from Clemson University this December, and watching him thrive there has been one of the greatest joys of my life. Making friendships, finding his academic passions, and growing into the man he’s becoming.
I remember his college search process well. There were moments of uncertainty, but also a sense of adventure. We took the time to visit campuses to really imagine what life would look like in different places.
And ultimately, he chose the school that felt right, not the one someone else said should be right. That decision made all the difference.
Now, I’m on the brink of beginning the process again with my twins, who are almost finished with their freshman year of high school. Already, I can feel the pressures starting to creep in—conversations about test prep, AP classes, extracurriculars, and “building a résumé.”
But as both a parent and an educational consultant in South Carolina, I’m determined to approach their journey differently.
I want them to feel the joy. I want them to feel excited.
I want them to know that this isn’t just a process to be survived—it’s a journey to be experienced.
How Can You Help Your Student in the College Admissions Process
Yes, there are forms to fill out. Deadlines to meet. Essays to write. But let’s not lose sight of what this is all for: growth, opportunity, and the excitement of starting a new chapter of life.
So, how can we help students reclaim the joy?
Encourage them to slow down, get curious instead of competitive, stop chasing “the best” school, and start looking for the right one.
Take time to explore campuses, not with a checklist, but with an open mind. Treat the personal essay as an opportunity to reflect and share a story rather than just impress the college admissions officer.
For everyone who has played an influential role in the college admissions process, I hope you will listen to students—really listen—to what they want out of this experience.
Ultimately, we must remind students that no college decision defines their worth.
Choosing College Should Be Fun
To the students reading this: You are more than a test score—more than your résumé. You are a whole person, and this process should honor that.
To the parents: Your belief in your child’s future is powerful, but so is your presence as a calm, supportive voice. Celebrate the small wins.
Remind your student that they have options—and that life is not a race to a specific name on a sweatshirt.
And to my fellow educators and counselors: Let’s continue to be the steady hands that guide students with empathy, not pressure.
I’ve seen the college admissions world evolve, but now I want to be part of a new evolution that brings the joy back.
Because this is supposed to be fun.
Let’s help our students find that spark again.
If you or your student are feeling overwhelmed by the college search process, we’re here to help. Schedule a free 30-minute consultation with us or give us a call at 855-442-4222.
At The College Planning Center, we believe this college journey should be exciting, not exhausting—and we’re ready to help you find the joy again.
Special thanks to Christopher Parsons for writing this blog post.
Christopher has a strong educational background, including Doctoral studies in English Literature and Creative Writing, a Master’s Degree in English, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and History. He also has a background in Mass Communications and Public Relations/Marketing.
He has successfully won scholarship offers from prestigious schools and over $250,000 in grants and scholarships. His real-world personal experience resonates well with today’s students.
