Parents’ Guide to College Prep: Steps to Set Your Teen Up for Success

If your child is getting ready for college, you might be feeling a whirlwind of emotions — pride, excitement, maybe even a little bit of anxiety. You want them to dream big and explore every possibility, but you also want to help them stay realistic about what’s achievable. College is a big step toward independence, and while they’ll be making more of their own choices, your voice and guidance still matter. You’re one of their most important anchors as they make decisions that could shape the rest of their lives. The question is: what can you do now to help them feel truly ready for this next adventure?

Do Your Homework, Then Dive In

Watching your child prepare for college can feel like a mix of pride, excitement, and “where do we even start?” The good news is, you don’t have to figure it out alone — UNCF has tools to guide you through every step.

Begin with the For Parents page on our website, where you’ll find a downloadable checklist designed for parents of younger college-bound kids. It’s a simple way to stay ahead while their dreams are still taking shape.

If your teen is already in high school, encourage them to check out our “Getting Into College” checklist. The year-by-year guide helps students make the most of those crucial high school years and build a strong, standout application.

And when you need inspiration — or just want to see what life is like for students — visit our blog. You’ll find real stories, practical advice, and the latest Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) news to keep you both motivated. Starting early not only reduces stress, it builds confidence, excitement, and a shared sense of purpose for the journey ahead.

Make Connections and Visit Campuses

Once your child starts exploring schools and building a list of colleges that spark their interest, encourage them to connect with admissions counselors at their top choices, and don’t be afraid to reach out yourself with a few questions. If possible, plan a campus visit together. Walking the quad, peeking into classrooms, and chatting with staff can turn an abstract idea into a vivid picture of what life there could be like.

For you as a parent, those visits can be a little bittersweet — seeing where your child might spend the next few years makes the future feel very close. But they also offer a chance to share in their excitement and envision the opportunities ahead.

And beyond the emotional value, there’s a practical benefit: many schools take a prospective student’s level of interest into account when reviewing applications. Those conversations and visits don’t just inform your decision — they can help your child stand out in the admissions process.

Bring the College Search to You

Of course, not every family can hop on a plane or drive hours for campus visits, and that’s okay. If you and your child are feeling a little overwhelmed, or if time and expenses are holding you back, there’s another way to get face-to-face with opportunities: UNCF’s Empower Me Tour (EMT)©.

Our nationwide college roadshow stops at multiple locations across the US, bringing the college experience to you. At EMT events, you and your child can dive into engaging presentations, hear from expert panels, and take part in interactive workshops focused on both college readiness and career planning. It’s an energizing atmosphere where students can ask questions, make connections, and start picturing themselves on campus.

The best part? Many college recruiters at EMT events offer on-the-spot admissions and academic scholarships. That means your child could walk in with a transcript and walk out with a college acceptance, and maybe even some tuition covered. It’s a chance to turn uncertainty into excitement and take a big step forward in the college journey.

Talk About Your Budget, But Keep an Open Mind

By now, you and your child have probably explored different schools, visited campuses (in person or through the EMT), and started to picture where they might feel at home. The next step is making sure those dreams align with financial reality. Be open and honest about how much you can or will contribute. This will help your child focus on schools that are truly within reach.

That said, don’t close any doors too soon. Scholarships can dramatically reduce costs and make options possible that might have seemed out of reach. Many schools offer generous merit- and need-based aid, and sometimes you won’t know the true cost until after your child applies. Encourage them to apply to the schools they love and see what financial support becomes available.

One of the most powerful resources? UNCF scholarships. As the nation’s largest private scholarship provider to minority group members, UNCF awards more than $65 million in scholarships to over 10,000 students at more than 1,100 schools each year. It’s a game-changing opportunity that can open doors to a brighter future.

Stay Informed Without Getting Overwhelmed

The world of higher education is constantly evolving. Whether your child is heading to college next year or a few years from now, staying informed will help you guide them with confidence. But let’s be honest — there’s a lot of information out there, and it can feel like both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, you have answers to almost any question at your fingertips; on the other, keeping up with every change, deadline, and opportunity can be overwhelming.

That’s where UNCF can help. By subscribing to our email updates, you’ll get curated, relevant information that cuts through the noise — news, resources, and opportunities that matter most to you and your college-bound student. With the right insights at the right time, you’ll be equipped to help your child put their best foot forward — not just in the college application process, but in the years that follow.

At UNCF, we believe every dream deserves the chance to rise, no matter where it begins. For more than seven decades, we have empowered students and strengthened HBCUs — institutions that shape generations of leaders, innovators, and trailblazers.

By investing in HBCUs and the students they serve, we’re doing more than funding education. We’re opening doors to opportunity, nurturing untapped potential, and creating pathways to success for those who will go on to transform industries, uplift communities, and inspire future generations.

When we support a student’s journey, we’re investing in a ripple effect — one that builds stronger families, more vibrant communities, and a brighter, more equitable future for us all.

If you’re a student, apply today. If you’re an ally, donate or spread the word.