High School Counselors’ Best College Application Advice for Students and Parents
The college application process can feel overwhelming—for students trying to stand out and for parents trying to support them without adding stress. Between competitive admissions, rising tuition costs, and the pressure to be “perfect,” it’s no wonder families feel anxious.
That’s why advice from experienced high school counselors matters so much.
In this episode of the Ol’ College Try podcast, Peg Keough sits down with Lisa Burfeindt, Director of School Counseling for the Cranford Public Schools and an admissions application reader for UC Berkeley. With more than 20 years in school counseling, Lisa brings a rare, insider perspective on what actually matters in college applications—from both the high school and admissions sides of the desk.
Below is a breakdown of the most important college application insights every student and parent should know, straight from a veteran counselor.
Before families even start building college lists, counselors nationwide are encouraging one important step: create a free MyCAP account.
MyCAP helps families understand college costs and financial aid early, so money becomes part of the college conversation from the beginning—not a stressful surprise senior year. When families have clarity around affordability, students can build realistic college lists and focus on fit, not panic.
👉 Create your free MyCAP account and start the conversation early.
College Applications Start Earlier Than You Think
One of the biggest misconceptions families have is that college planning begins junior year. In reality, high school counselors know the process starts much earlier.
At Cranford High School, college readiness begins in freshman year—not with applications, but with helping students:
- Adjust to high school expectations
- Explore interests and strengths
- Build balanced, meaningful activities
Sophomore year focuses on identifying academic and personal strengths, while junior and senior years bring everything together into college lists and applications.
This long-term approach matters because colleges aren’t just evaluating senior-year performance—they’re looking at growth, consistency, and engagement over four years.
Colleges Read Applications Holistically (Yes, Even Big Schools)
Many families assume that large or highly selective colleges only care about grades and test scores. According to Lisa, that’s simply not true.
As an application reader, she confirms that colleges like UC Berkeley conduct holistic application reviews, meaning they look at the entire student:
- Academic performance within the context of the school
- Course rigor and growth over time
- Activities and leadership
- Personal background and opportunities
- Writing responses and personal insight
Even at schools receiving tens of thousands of applications, readers are trained to evaluate students within the context of their specific high school environment. Students are compared to peers from the same school, not across the entire applicant pool.
This means students should focus less on competing nationally and more on challenging themselves within the opportunities available to them.
Depth Matters More Than Quantity in Activities
One of the most common application mistakes counselors see is overloading resumes with activities that lack meaning.
Admissions readers aren’t impressed by long lists of clubs or short-term commitments. Instead, they’re looking for:
- Sustained involvement
- Personal investment
- Leadership or initiative
- A clear theme or interest
Depth beats breadth every time.
Students who commit deeply to a few activities—and can explain why those activities matter to them—stand out far more than students who collect experiences just to pad an application.
Essays Are Where Students Become Real People
If there’s one part of the application that truly brings a student to life, it’s the writing.
According to Lisa, essays often make or break an application. Not because they need to be dramatic or extraordinary—but because they reveal authenticity.
Strong essays:
- Sound like the student, not an adult or AI
- Match the rest of the application
- Offer insight into values, perspective, or growth
- Show reflection, not just achievement
Importantly, essays don’t need to focus on trauma or hardship. Some of the most memorable essays are about everyday experiences—habits, observations, or small moments that reveal character.
The goal isn’t to impress. It’s to help the reader understand who the student really is.
Authenticity Matters More Than Perfection
Students often feel pressure to present a flawless version of themselves. But counselors and admissions readers know perfection isn’t real—and they’re not looking for it.
Applications that feel inconsistent—such as weak academics paired with overly polished writing—raise questions. Authenticity creates alignment across grades, activities, and essays.
Being honest, reflective, and self-aware matters far more than appearing ideal.
In fact, presenting a version of yourself that isn’t real can backfire. Even if a student is admitted, they may end up at a school that isn’t the right fit—academically, socially, or emotionally.
There Is No “One Right College”
One of the most important messages counselors share with students is this:
There is no single school where a student can be happy or successful.
With thousands of colleges in the U.S., many offer similar programs, campus environments, and opportunities. The idea of “this school or bust” creates unnecessary stress and disappointment.
Fit is about more than prestige. It includes:
- Academic environment
- Campus culture
- Class size and support
- Financial sustainability
Students thrive where they feel supported, challenged, and able to grow—not just where the acceptance rate is lowest.
Why Finances Must Be Part of the Conversation Early
High school counselors see firsthand how painful it can be when finances are addressed too late.
Waiting until senior year—after applications and acceptances—often forces families into impossible choices. That’s why financial planning should be part of the college conversation from the very beginning.
Understanding affordability early helps:
- Set realistic expectations
- Avoid unnecessary emotional stress
- Prevent parent-student conflict
- Ensure students have multiple viable options
College choice should never come down to panic. Financial clarity allows families to make confident, informed decisions.
Advice for Parents: Support Without Steering
Parents play a critical role—but not by making decisions for their children.
High school counselors emphasize the importance of:
- Listening more than directing
- Asking thoughtful questions
- Allowing students to take ownership
- Preparing students for challenges, not removing them
College is a major transition. Students who’ve been allowed to explore, reflect, and make decisions are better equipped to succeed once they arrive on campus.
Final Takeaway: Breathe
The college application process is just one chapter—not the whole story.
Students don’t need to be perfect. Parents don’t need to have all the answers. With guidance from experienced counselors, honest conversations, and early financial planning, families can approach this process with confidence instead of fear.
Take a deep breath. Focus on growth, authenticity, and fit.
That’s what truly sets students up for success—in college and beyond.
