Waiting Season: How Parents Can Support Seniors After Applications Are Submitted
By North Shore College Consulting Counselors
With nearly 16 years of experience guiding families through the college admissions process
For many families, the waiting period after applications are submitted is the most emotionally challenging phase of the college admissions process.
Once the work is complete, there is nothing left to do — and that lack of control can feel unsettling for parents and students alike. Understanding what this season is — and what it is not — can make a significant difference.
Why the Waiting Season Feels So Hard
During the application phase, families are busy. There are deadlines, checklists, and tangible progress.
Once applications are submitted, all of that stops. Silence follows — and silence is often misinterpreted as a problem.
In reality, waiting for college decisions is a normal and necessary part of the process. Most of what happens next occurs quietly behind the scenes.
What Is (and Is Not) Happening Right Now
After applications are submitted:
Files are reviewed carefully
Decisions take time
Silence is common and expected
What is not happening is anything parents can influence by checking portals, revisiting essays, or second-guessing choices.
Understanding what happens after college applications are submitted often helps families step out of unnecessary worry.
What Seniors Need Most During This Phase
Students benefit from:
Normal routines
Emotional steadiness at home
Space to stay engaged in daily life
What they don’t need is heightened anxiety or constant speculation. Parental calm plays a powerful role during this phase — even when outcomes feel uncertain.
How Parents Can Support Without Over-Managing
The most helpful role parents can play right now is to provide reassurance without pressure.
This might look like:
Avoiding repeated questions about outcomes
Normalizing uncertainty
Trusting the work that’s already been done
This kind of support helps students stay grounded during the waiting season.
Common Waiting-Season Questions
Should we be checking portals constantly?
No. Updates will come when they come.
Should we be preparing backup plans?
Preparation can be useful, but it shouldn’t overshadow the present moment.
In Summary
Waiting is normal
Silence is not a bad sign
Calm support matters most right now
If steady guidance through the waiting season would feel supportive, you can learn more about how we work with senior families and our comprehensive counseling approach when helpful.