This episode of the "Don't Chuck It Up" podcast, hosted by Chuck and featuring Kate Malczewski from College Connectors, focuses on empowering parents to guide their students through the college search and application journey. Our advice includes encouraging a strong high school experience in 9th and 10th grades by fostering academic curiosity and exploring diverse extracurriculars, which build leadership and self-advocacy skills. We recommend that parents introduce college concepts early by visiting campuses for events or casual tours, as well as utilizing virtual tours, to make the idea of college more tangible and accessible. For juniors and seniors, parents should be in the passenger seat, empowering their student to lead the process and encouraging self-reflection on their needs and study habits. We also discuss the importance of setting clear financial expectations early, as college costs are rising and student contributions are increasingly expected. Furthermore, parents are encouraged to broaden their perspective beyond just well-known or "ESPN" schools, as the admissions landscape is highly competitive for selective institutions, and a wide variety of schools can offer excellent opportunities. Finally, we provide practical tips for fostering independence, including having students make their own appointments, run errands, understand basic health information, and fill out forms, all of which prepare them for the transition to college life.