What Families Need to Know About College Admissions

For families around the world, few milestones carry as much weight as the college admissions process. It’s more than a gateway to higher learning; it’s a defining transition point for next-generation opportunity and values. Particularly among high-net-worth families, it’s also intensely strategic, with broader considerations around global mobility, long-term planning, and family enterprise at the center. 

The Importance of Narrative

From New York to Geneva, Dubai to Rio, many families begin the college admissions journey with a few misconceptions, chief among them that there’s some way to “game” the process. 

Yet what makes college admissions particularly complex is that there’s no formula to follow. The most selective universities are looking for personal narratives rooted in authenticity and students who lean into their unique strengths and pursue them deeply. 

So often we hear parents express concern that their child doesn’t have a “good story.” Yet the truth often is that they do — they just don’t realize it yet. A small moment — learning something hard, caring for someone, making a mistake and growing from it — can be powerful and meaningful. It’s not about having a dramatic life story, but about mining your everyday experiences for insight. For example, a summer job scooping ice cream or working as a golf club caddy could spark a compelling narrative demonstrating reliability, initiative, and grit.

Our team of advisors help students tap into their unique strengths and start shaping narratives even before high school begins. That early awareness allows students to grow with intention, build on authentic interests, and arrive at the application process with a story that’s not only compelling, but also true to who they are.

Why Early Planning Matters

While some believe starting early adds pressure, the opposite is true. After supporting thousands of students worldwide — many beginning in ninth grade — it’s clear that proactive planning is the most effective way to improve outcomes and provide peace of mind. From course selection and summer planning to SAT/ACT timing and campus visits, each choice sets up the next. When made intentionally, these decisions help shape the student’s narrative, creating a cohesive story that highlights their strengths, interests, and growth.

Proactive planning also matters because of admissions strategy. With more students applying Early Decision and gaining a measurable edge at many selective colleges, starting sooner gives families the time needed to hone in on their top priorities and identify best-fit schools.

Shifting Dynamics Around Legacy

Legacy admissions are part of an evolving landscape. While some colleges, including Amherst, Carnegie Mellon, and Johns Hopkins, have stated legacy status will no longer be considered in the admissions process, relationships and philanthropy can still play a role at many institutions.

For families considering their approach, discretion and authenticity are essential. Leveraging a relationship or making a call on a student’s behalf requires careful judgment around timing, the messenger, and the message. Even well-intentioned outreach can create a negative impression if it feels disconnected from the student’s genuine interest in the school.    

Managing Pressure with Perspective

For many students, expectations, whether they’re spoken or unspoken, can heighten stress and make the admissions process feel overwhelming.

That’s often why families hire us: to thoughtfully and discreetly help facilitate conversations that may otherwise feel fraught and to take some of the stress out of the household. With external support in place, parents are better able to focus on being steady, encouraging cheerleaders.

At its best, this process fosters ownership and empowerment for the student, helping to build the very skills they’ll need to succeed once they’re on campus: executive functioning, time management, and self-reflection. 

Looking Ahead 

More than ever, families recognize that the college experience plays a pivotal role in shaping values, identity, and future opportunities. As a result, admissions decisions are increasingly guided by long-term goals and global aspirations.

For some students, pursuing an international path offers cultural exposure, expanded mobility, and alignment with global business objectives. Others may be focused on developing practical skills, positioning themselves where certain firms are actively recruiting, or earning a credential that strengthens a family enterprise. And for many, the decision is driven by the question of where their network will be most impactful.

By setting aside common myths, planning intentionally, and keeping authenticity at the center, families can ensure the admissions process supports far more than acceptance letters. The journey itself becomes a catalyst for growth, resilience, and discovery.

This article was originally published in Family Office Magazine in the Autumn 2025 issue and can be viewed here.