3 Common Mistakes Parents Make in College Planning (And How to Avoid Them!)

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at college websites, wondering if you need a PhD in admissions just to get through this process, you’re not alone. College planning today is way different than when we applied. Back then, you picked a school, mailed in an application (with a check, because online payments weren’t a thing), and hoped for the best.

Now? It’s a high-stakes game of strategy, deadlines, and financial gymnastics. And unfortunately, many parents unknowingly make mistakes that can cost their kid a great opportunity—or worse, a small fortune.

So let’s talk about the three most common mistakes parents make in college planning—and how to avoid them.

Mistake #1: Assuming “Good Grades = Good Scholarships”

Many parents believe that if their child works hard and earns a high GPA, colleges will shower them with scholarship money. And while that would be amazing, the reality is much more complicated.

📢 Reality Check: Many of the most selective schools don’t offer merit scholarships at all. Instead, they focus on need-based aid—meaning if your family makes too much to qualify, you could be paying full price (a very expensive mistake).

How to Avoid This:

✅ Look beyond the big-name schools. Some lesser-known colleges offer HUGE merit scholarships to attract top students.

✅ Use each college’s Net Price Calculator to estimate what you’ll actually pay—before your teen falls in love with a school that costs more than your house.

✅ Research schools that are generous with merit aid. Some colleges automatically award scholarships based on GPA and test scores.

Pro Tip: If your kid is a high-achiever, focus on schools where their stats put them in the top 25% of admitted students—that’s where the best scholarships come from!

Mistake #2: Letting Deadlines Sneak Up

College applications have more deadlines than a corporate tax office, and missing one can be the difference between big scholarship money and... well, nothing.

📢 Reality Check: Some of the best merit scholarships have deadlines as early as October or November of senior year. And if you’re thinking financial aid will cover everything—FAFSA and CSS Profile deadlines matter too.

How to Avoid This:

✅ Create a College Planning Calendar with ALL deadlines for applications, scholarships, and financial aid.

✅ Encourage your teen to apply early. Some schools give priority merit aid to students who apply by early deadlines.

✅ Don’t wait on FAFSA. Even if you don’t think you’ll qualify for aid, fill it out ASAP—some schools require it for merit scholarships.

Pro Tip: Early Action (EA) deadlines are often in November, and they can increase your teen’s chances of acceptance—without the commitment of Early Decision.

Mistake #3: Applying to the Wrong Colleges (Financially & Academically)

Parents often encourage their kids to apply to too many or too few schools—or the wrong mix entirely. Some families only look at “dream” schools without considering affordability, while others apply to only local options, missing out on great financial opportunities elsewhere.

📢 Reality Check: Applying to 15+ colleges isn’t necessarily a good strategy—especially if they’re all super competitive. And applying to only in-state public schools could mean missing out on private colleges that offer better financial aid.

How to Avoid This:

✅ Build a balanced college list: Aim for 2-3 reach schools, 4-5 target schools, and 2-3 financial safeties.

✅ Consider private colleges with strong financial aid. Many private schools discount tuition for high-achieving students, making them cheaper than public universities.

✅ Have “the money talk” early. Don’t let your teen get emotionally attached to a school that isn’t financially feasible.

Pro Tip: Some colleges give automatic merit scholarships just for applying—so research which schools are the most generous before sending out those applications!

Final Thoughts: Avoid These Mistakes & Plan Smarter

College planning doesn’t have to feel like an extreme sport. By focusing on smart college choices, watching deadlines, and being strategic about financial aid, you can help your teen get a great education—without drowning in debt.

Need help navigating all of this? That’s exactly what I teach in my course, “College Admissions for Overwhelmed Parents” which is dropping on March 3rd! I’ll walk you through the whole process—from picking the right schools to getting the best financial aid—so you can skip the stress and focus on what matters.

🎯 Sign up for a discount on my self-paced course here → http://bit.ly/3QoRH0w