Understanding Parental Support During the College Admissions Process
23 Practical Ways to Support Your Child (Without Pressure or Power Struggles)
READY TO FEEL COMFORTABLE AND CONFIDENT IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR TEEN?What’s inside?
The guide includes 23 practical, realistic ways to show up for your child effectively during the college admissions process.
After more than a decade working in higher education and now as a Certified Educational Planner, I’ve seen the full range of parent involvement — from deeply supportive to unintentionally overwhelming.
Most parents want to help. But even well-intentioned support can turn into pressure or self-doubt for both parent and child.
This guide is meant to be a steady, grounding resource you can return to throughout high school, helping you support your child in ways that build confidence, independence, and trust - and make the process feel more manageable (and maybe even enjoyable) for both of you.
Ready for a more intentional approach to this next chapter of parenting?
SUPPORT SELF-DISCOVERY WITHOUT STEERING DECISIONSCOMMUNICATE IN WAYS THAT REDUCE DEFENSIVENESS & INCREASE TRUSTENCOURAGE RESPONSIBILITY, PLANNING, & FOLLOW-THROUGHUNDERSTAND YOUR EVOLVING ROLE AS A PARENT DURING THIS PROCESS
Hi there,
I’m Carly Gieszl!
I’ve dedicated my career to helping teenagers and their families find their way through big transitions. I’m an Arizona native and earned my bachelor’s degree in Family Studies and Human Development from the University of Arizona, where I also worked in the Office of Admissions. After graduation, I spent time at an in-patient behavioral treatment facility for teenage girls, which informs my work to this day. I eventually returned to UA, supporting incoming freshmen and their families through orientation and the transition to college life.
I hold a master’s degree in Higher Education from Northern Arizona University and a master’s in Family and Human Development from Arizona State University. I also earned a Certificate in College Counseling from UC San Diego and continue to invest in ongoing professional development. In March 2025, I became a Certified Educational Planner (CEP), the highest certification in my field.
I love getting to blend my background in education, adolescent development, and family dynamics to guide students and families through the college admissions process with clarity and confidence.
About Rooted College Planning
With a unique niche in family dynamics and the parent-child relationship, Rooted College Planning is committed to finding college options for each student’s best fit.
Knowing what goes into the college admissions process, Carly brings her blend of experiences to provide support and expertise specific to each student and family, from freshman year all the way through high school graduation.
Rooted College Planning often works with students who may not be sure of the path ahead, providing a supportive environment where students feel empowered to explore their interests and discover their unique strengths.
As a professional member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association and a Certified Educational Planner, Carly is held to high moral and ethical standards.
Carly is based in Arizona with offices in Tucson and the East Valley and works with students across the country.
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