What You Can (and Can’t) Control in College Admissions
If you’ve been following college news or group chats lately, you know: the admissions world can feel like a swirl of changing rules, unpredictable outcomes, and endless opinions.
It’s enough to make any student — or parent — feel like the whole process is out of their hands.
But here’s the truth: You can’t control everything — and you don’t need to.
The families who have the calmest, clearest admissions seasons focus their time and energy on what they can control.
What You Can Control
Scripps College, Claremont, CA
1️⃣ When you start
Every year, I hear, “I wish we’d started earlier.”
Even a few small steps in the summer — like exploring your interests, researching colleges, or drafting an activities list — can ease the scramble later.
2️⃣ Which schools make your list
This is your biggest lever. You decide where to apply — and you can choose schools that truly fit who you are, how you learn, and what you need. Not just the biggest names.
Stay open — your best fit might surprise you.
When Samantha and I first started working together, her list was mostly big California state schools like the UCs — all great options, but not the only ones that could fit her goals. As we talked about what she really wanted — small classes, close community, professors who know you by name — she realized a smaller liberal arts college could be a perfect match.
She’d never even heard of Scripps College when we started. This fall, she’s packing for Claremont — ready to join a campus that’s exactly the right environment for her.
👉 Sometimes the right school isn’t the biggest name — it’s the one that fits you best, even if it’s new to you.
Not sure how to build a list like that? Start here.
3️⃣ How you spend your time
Deadlines, essays, applications — it can feel like a lot.
Break it up. Make a plan. Small steps now mean less stress later. One of my students last year called her summer timeline her “panic-buster.”
4️⃣ When you ask for help
This process is too big to do alone. Students who ask for help with brainstorming, editing, or decision-making build stronger applications — and feel less alone.
5️⃣ How you handle the noise
You’ll see acceptances on TikTok, your friends’ lists, stats that make you second-guess. Comparison is the thief of joy. Keep your eyes on your own path — it’s the only one that matters.
❌ What You Can’t Control
Here’s what you can let go of — for your own peace of mind.
Who gets in. Colleges build a class, not just pick “the best.”
Institutional priorities. Schools may want more STEM majors, more artists, more students from specific regions. You can’t predict it.
Changing policies and news. FAFSA shifts, test-optional swings — they’re real, but they’re not your daily homework.
What your friends are doing (or posting). Their list isn’t yours.
✅ A Small Summer Action List
If you want to take this from mindset to motion right now:
✔ Block an hour to talk about what you want in a college — size, vibe, location, must-haves
✔ Pick 1–2 schools you’ve never heard of and dig into their website — you might be surprised
✔ Check your high school course plan — does it balance challenge with sanity?
✔ Ask for help if you need it — a trusted advisor, a counselor, a parent
✔ If you want a clear step-by-step, grab my College List-Building Workbook — it’s the roadmap I wish every family had
Sometimes the best thing you can do is stay curious — and remember: you have more power than you think.
You can’t control it all. But you can take the next step. And the next.
Let’s get to college.
At Get It Write College Advising & Essay Counseling, I specialize in helping students navigate the complex terrain of college admissions.
With a personalized approach and a commitment to your success, I can provide the insights and strategies needed to build a balanced college list that aligns with your unique aspirations.
Don't leave your college journey to chance—connect with me today. Let's work together to unlock a world of possibilities and set the stage for a transformative college experience. Your future is waiting, and I'm here to ensure you reach it with confidence and clarity. Get in touch now and let's make your college dreams a reality!
That way, you’re sure to Get It Write.
