Empowering College Dreams

Insights from a Parent-Coach Conversation

I just finished meeting with the parents of a Grade 12 student I worked with from August to December on his college applications. I wanted to know their thoughts on the coaching journey that their son went on. As I reflect on this conversation, I realize that they validated everything I do as a coach for high school students who are trying to navigate the complexities of applying to college in their last year of high school, which, let’s be honest, is the busiest year for them - school wise and everything they do outside of school.

Here’s what they said:

The structure of the coaching program allowed for their son to apply to all of the colleges on his list (and there were 18!) on time, while having a great senior year and being involved in everything he loves - from drumline to acapella groups to volunteering at a community program for children with disabilities. We met on a weekly basis and I assigned deadlines for essay drafts and revisions. This regularity of working on his college applications and being held accountable for his work allowed him to manage his time and balance his schedule…he even worked on his college application essays on the plane and during the winter break, submitting his last six applications on December 30th. His parents said they were impressed with how he was able to do this.

The coaching sessions were a safe space for their son to say anything and not feel judged. As a coach, I was a thought partner and a sounding board who was able to push their son to go deeper in reflection on his essays in a way that a parent couldn’t do with a teen. He felt heard and was able to identify and discover his interests and what truly brings him joy. He moved past his parents' strong suggestions to pursue science and math, both subjects he was good at (but didn’t truly enjoy), and apply to colleges with liberal arts programs to explore the intersectionality of academic subjects he was interested in.

“Our son is so confident in his college applications because he found his own voice and he owns it. What Tasneem gave him will serve him for the long-term.”

The support I provided in the essay writing process - from the Common Application of 650 words to very short answers of 50 words - allowed their son to be more aware of himself and find his voice. They now see the college application process as an opportunity for self-reflection which will serve him well for the rest of his life.

These parents were so proud of how their son dealt with a deferral decision from the college he really wanted to go to. He sat with disappointment for a bit and then carried on with the rest of his applications. He knew he had a great application and was authentic to who he is and that’s what mattered most to him.

They praised his ability to gracefully navigate and maturely handle such disappointment at his young age.