If a student has questions about a college admission application and wishes to call admission officers to get answers, the student should make the call, NOT THE PARENTS. The reason? If phone calls are logged and placed into student’s application file, when college admission officers review the file to consider the student for admission, they may see overly involved parents and think (1), the student is not independent enough to be ready for college and/or (2), the parents are mettlesome and could potentially cause problems. Either of these impressions will hurt you chances for admission.

Students should contact college admissions officers, department chairpersons and professors with questions about a college or university. Students calling with informed questions show maturity, independence and assertiveness to get the job done; personal traits that are attractive to admission officers.

It should be noted that it is perfectly acceptable for parents to call college financial aid administrators regarding financial aid. Colleges realize students don’t really understand financial aid and all the details associated with scholarships, grants and loans. They also know that parents will be the ones making tuition payments and securing education loans.