The 25 Most Important Questions Parents Ask on the Road to Elite College Admissions


A guide for families with high-achieving students who want every advantage—without the guesswork.

For parents of high-performing students, the high school years aren’t just about grades and report cards—they’re the foundation of a college journey that can open doors for a lifetime. But what should that journey look like?

The truth is, most families find themselves overwhelmed by the sheer volume of decisions: Which classes matter most? What kind of extracurriculars make a difference? Is a summer program really necessary? And when is too early—or too late—to begin preparing?

At Pathways, we’ve listened closely to thousands of questions from families just like yours. The list below reflects the 25 most frequently asked—and most impactful—questions parents ask as their children prepare for competitive college admissions.

Whether your student is aiming for the Ivy League, a BS/MD program, or simply looking to maximize their potential, these are the questions that matter.


Academic Planning

1. What courses should my child take in high school to be competitive for Ivy League or top-tier colleges?
Elite colleges want to see rigor. That means the most challenging course load your school offers, especially in core subjects.

2. Is it better to take an AP course and get a B, or take a regular class and get an A?
This is one of the most nuanced tradeoffs. We break down how admissions teams actually interpret this.

3. Should my child prioritize honors or dual-enrollment courses over APs?
Not all course types are viewed equally—context and academic goals matter.

4. How early should my child start taking advanced math or science?
STEM-oriented students should plan their trajectories from 8th or 9th grade onward.

5. Is class rank or GPA more important?
The answer depends heavily on your school’s profile and how it's perceived by colleges.

6. Will fewer APs at my child’s school hurt their chances?
Admissions offices evaluate students within the context of their school's offerings.

7. Should we consider transferring to a better-resourced or less competitive school?
This is a growing trend. We explore the strategy and tradeoffs of such a move.

8. What electives should my child choose to demonstrate intellectual curiosity?
Colleges appreciate intellectual depth, especially when it aligns with a student’s intended major.


Testing Strategy

9. Should my child still take the SAT or ACT even if schools are test-optional?
Test-optional doesn't mean test-ignored—especially for top schools and merit aid.

10. When should standardized test prep begin?
Timing is everything—especially if you’re aiming for National Merit or early decision.

11. Does the PSAT matter?
Only for some students—but it can be the gateway to significant scholarships.

12. Should my student submit AP scores or SAT Subject Test alternatives?
Even post-subject-tests, APs can fill a similar role in demonstrating academic strength.


Extracurriculars and Summer Planning

13. What extracurriculars actually matter to top schools?
Depth, impact, and alignment matter more than a crowded resume.

14. Is it better to be well-rounded or develop a "spike"?
Colleges are building a well-rounded class—not seeking only well-rounded individuals.

15. Are expensive summer programs necessary?
Some are resume-polishers. Others are life-changing. We’ll show you how to tell the difference.

16. What counts more: leadership or competition results?
Both show initiative, but in different ways. It depends on your student’s story.

17. How can my child find research or internship opportunities in high school?
You don’t need Ivy League connections—just the right strategies.


Strategic Planning

18. When should we begin planning for college admissions?
The short answer: earlier than you think. We lay out a grade-by-grade roadmap.

19. How do we build strong recommendation relationships?
Top colleges rely on these letters to understand what a transcript can’t say.

20. How should my child develop a compelling narrative?
It’s not just what they do—it’s how it all fits together. The “application arc” matters.

21. What are the biggest mistakes high-achieving students make?
We outline the common pitfalls that derail even the most promising applications.

22. Should we hire an admissions counselor?
We break down when families benefit most from outside help—and how to choose the right kind.


How Pathways Helps

Unlike other platforms where you’re assigned an advisor, Pathways puts the power in your hands. You describe your challenge or question, and we match you with multiple peer advisors who’ve just gone through the same journey—and succeeded. You get to pick who to talk to. Want more than one perspective? Go ahead.

With advisors who’ve gained admission to Harvard, MIT, Stanford, BS/MD programs, and more, Pathways is built for smart, driven families who want transparency, choice, and insight.


🎯 Tap into Pathways to prepare you College Readiness plan

This article is just the beginning. Get started with posing your questions, and one or more Pathways advisors can chip in with their inputs.

👉 Simply ask your questions to an advisor
👉 Or Book a consultation session with a Pathways Peer Advisor