3 Things Parents Should Be Doing Right Now in the College Search Process

Helping your student navigate the college search can feel exciting and overwhelming and that’s completely normal. As Hilbert College’s Director of Admissions, I talk to families every day about what really makes a difference. Read on to find out the top three steps that can give your student a head start, make the process more manageable, and help them find the right college fit.

Hey parents,

I’m the Director of Admissions at Hilbert College. I talk to families every day who are juggling excitement, stress, and about a hundred questions, all totally normal!

Here are 3 things you can do right now that really make a difference for your student (and your sanity):

Visit Colleges (And Not Just One)

Seriously, the best thing you can do right now is get on a few campuses. Visit a mix: big, small, private, public, close to home, out of state. Every school has a totally different vibe, and sometimes your student’s favorite ends up being the one they didn’t expect.Before visiting, have them write down their top “must-haves” (like class size, program, or campus feel). After each visit, rate it 1–10. Patterns start to show quickly about what really matters to them.And when they find a place that feels right, go back again. The second visit usually confirms that gut feeling (or changes it completely).At Hilbert, for example, we offer:
- Open House events (big overview days)
- Major Specific nights like our Criminal Justice, Intelligence & Forensic Science Night
- 1-on-1 visits or Shadow Days to sit in on classes and meet professors
It’s Time to Start Applying

If your student’s planning for Fall 2026, applications are open now.
- Applying to several schools? The Common App makes life easier.
- Applying to just a few? The college’s own application works just fine.
Either way, Hilbert’s application on both is free at hilbert.edu/apply

And please don’t get caught up in the name game. Prestige doesn’t automatically mean a better experience. What matters most is fit, where your student feels supported, seen, and excited to learn. Don’t rule out a college because it’s too close to home or a small school. Fit > fame, every time.
Talk About Cost, But Don’t Assume

I know this part can be scary. But don’t cross a college off the list because of the “sticker price.”At Hilbert, every accepted student automatically receives a merit scholarship (based on their GPA), anywhere from $12,000 a year up to full tuition. I just spoke with a mom who thought we’d be “too expensive” because we were private. Her daughter applied anyway as it was her first choice and was offered $18,000 per year before adding in federal or state aid. They were pleasantly surprised, and I hope you are too.