College Conversation Starters
This is an opportunity for parents to listen actively, build trust, and explore college options together —without pressure, remembering that there are no right or wrong answers and that thinking can evolve throughout the application process.
When you imagine yourself in college, what comes to mind?
What are you most curious about when you think about college life?
Is there anything about college that feels exciting or interesting to you right now?
What, if anything, feels a little scary or uncertain about college at this point?
What kind of campus environment do you think you’d feel most comfortable in bigger or smaller, closer to home or farther away?
How much does cost factor into the way you’re thinking about college options? *To learn more about costs of various colleges go to this CollegeBoard website.
What do you hope college might help you discover or learn about yourself?
Do you imagine yourself choosing aclear career path right away, or exploring different interests before deciding on a major?
As you think about the college process, what kind of support do you feel you’ll need most — especially considering what helps you most in highschool right now?
What would make conversations about college feel encouraging and productive rather than overwhelming?