You made it.
Senior year is just around the corner—and whether you’re feeling excited, overwhelmed, or a mix of both, you’re not alone.
As a mom and a college counselor, I’ve walked this road from both sides of the desk. I know what it feels like to want to be helpful… without hovering. And I know how easy it is to feel like everything suddenly matters all at once.
If you’re parenting a rising 12th grader this summer, here’s the good news:
You don’t need to do everything.
You just need to focus on the right things—at the right time.
🎯 The Summer Sweet Spot: Calm Before the College App Storm
This summer is a window of opportunity. It’s a chance to:
- Reflect on what your teen wants in a college experience
- Finalize a balanced college list
- Work on their personal statement (before school and activities take over)
- Set up a realistic timeline for application season
- Talk about the emotional side of senior year—because it’s a big one
And yes, there’s a lot to think about.
But there’s also a lot you can let go of.
Common Worries I Hear from Parents of Rising Seniors:
- “I don’t want to nag, but I also don’t want them to fall behind.”
- “What if we miss a deadline?”
- “How involved should I be in their essays or applications?”
- “Shouldn’t we be doing more?”
If any of that sounds familiar—you are 100% not alone.
This is an emotionally loaded season. It’s okay if your family is feeling the weight of it.
✨ What Actually Matters This Summer
Here’s where I recommend parents focus during the summer before senior year:
✅ Finalizing the College List
- Make sure it’s balanced with reach, target, and likely schools
- Talk openly about finances and application costs
- Schedule a few college visits (if helpful—not required!)
✅ Starting the Personal Statement
- Encourage your teen to reflect on what they want to share
- Don’t push a perfect draft—help them get something started
- Consider using a counselor, program, or writing coach if they need structure
✅ Updating the Activities List
- Many students haven’t revisited it since 9th or 10th grade
- Help them recall what they’ve done, what mattered, and what they’re proud of
✅ Talking About the Big Picture
- Senior year is full of “lasts”
- Ask your teen how they’re feeling—not just what they’re doing
- Make space for excitement, nerves, and uncertainty
📄 Want Help Breaking It Down?
I created a Summer Sanity Plan for Rising 12th Graders to guide families through this season with less stress and more clarity. It includes:
- Key summer goals
- Encouragement for parents
- Conversation starters to help you stay connected
❤️ Final Thought
This is your teen’s last summer before everything changes.
You don’t need to control it—you just need to show up for it.
Let the plan do the heavy lifting, and trust that your support matters more than you think.
You’ve got this. And I’m here if you need backup.
