Finding Meaning in the College Prep Maze

In the college race, we do not lack ideas on how to prepare our children for admissions. From summer intensives to mentorship initiatives, there’s an entire ecosystem built to help students stand out and step in with confidence.

Many of these programs are wonderful—they introduce students to college-level work, spark curiosity, and open doors to new fields of study long before they can decide on a final major. And that decision is not insignificant when every choice carries a hefty price tag.

But the real question for families is not how much to do—it’s what’s right to do. How can we help students find that balance? Should they dive into a structured program or follow a more self-directed path? Both can work beautifully—but for different reasons.

Structured programs can provide clear guidance, expert mentorship, and access to resources that might be hard to find elsewhere. They’re often motivating because they create accountability and community. Yet, they can also be expensive and sometimes too prescriptive, leaving little room for genuine exploration.

Self-directed projects, on the other hand, invite creativity and independence. Whether that means launching a small initiative, conducting personal research, or exploring a passion in depth, they can demonstrate initiative and authentic engagement—qualities that admissions officers truly value. The challenge is staying focused and disciplined without the built-in structure.

In the end, admissions officers aren’t just looking for impressive lists—they’re looking for meaning, purpose, and growth. It’s not about doing everything. It’s about doing something deeply, thoughtfully, and with heart.

Depth over breadth. Curiosity over credentials. That’s the kind of story worth telling—both in applications and in life.

Notes from the Margins:

The real preparation for college—and for life—begins when curiosity meets purpose.