Now that we’re nearing the end of the year, the stress around college admissions is rising—especially if your child is a senior getting ready to submit their applications.

I’ve been hearing this from parents a lot lately.

Whether you see it on Facebook, hear it at PTA meetings, or in family conversations, it can feel like other students are miles ahead.

"John's daughter just got a perfect 36 on her ACT."
"The twins down the street—both National Merit Semifinalists."
"Their cousin’s research got published—no wonder they got into MIT last year."

The more you hear, the more that knot tightens in your stomach. You start wondering if your child’s hard work will really stand out.

This feeling is called "Comparison Anxiety," and it’s more common than you’d think.

I see it every year.

I’ve had parents ask me, What else can we do? Should we be doing more?

But at this stage in senior year, it’s not about doing more.

It’s about making the most of what your child has already accomplished.

I review dozens of applications every year.

Even the "perfect" applicants often have flaws that could hurt their chances—while many "average" students have hidden strengths that admissions officers look for.

When you hear about perfect scores or impressive awards know these are just a small part of the story.

The full story is always more … complicated.

That’s why comparison doesn’t work in admissions. You never see the whole journey, just the highlights.

If your child is a senior, my best advice is to focus on them—how they tell their story, how they showcase their achievements, and how well it all fits together.

That’s what matters.

When your child’s application highlights their real strengths, you'll feel more confident and at ease. That knot in your stomach will start to fade, and the wait will feel easier.

Of course, the anxiety won’t totally go away until the admissions letter arrives, but feeling confident about your child’s application makes all the difference.

If you'd like expert eyes on your child’s application, check out my Application Review service.

Here’s what I offer:

• Uncover hidden strengths and eliminate weaknesses in your child’s application.

• Find the best way to position your child and make their application stand out.

• Ensure their authentic voice shines through every page.

Think of it as a practice run of the admissions review process, complete with the step-by-step guidance needed to refine the application.

The review will boost your child’s chances and help you both feel confident going into decision season.

You can learn more about the Application Review by clicking the link below:

https://go.collegeadmissionssecrets.com/application-review

Dr. Agnia Grigas
Founder - College Admissions Secrets
Author - ‘‘How to Win the Million Dollar College Admissions Game’’

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