College Admissions Reality Check: Why Saying “You’re Definitely Getting In” Can Hurt Teens
In this episode, hosts Cathy and Meredith dive into a well-meaning phrase adults often say to high school seniors and why it can do more harm than good. Telling students they’re “definitely getting in” to selective colleges may sound encouraging, but it can actually create unnecessary pressure and lead to major disappointment if rejection letters arrive. Cathy and Meredith unpack how today’s college admissions process is far more competitive than many adults realize, making these kinds of assurances unrealistic. Instead of offering false certainty, they encourage parents, mentors, and educators to celebrate students’ effort, growth, and resilience, and to remind them that their success isn’t defined by any single admissions decision. Tune in for yet another short but power-packed episode of Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You!
Key Points From This Episode:
[0:00:50] Welcome back: an update from Cathy and Meredith!
[0:02:10] Today’s topic: adults saying things they don’t have the authority to say.
[0:03:00] Why you shouldn’t say “you’ll get in [to college]” to a kid.
[0:04:50] What we need to emphasize instead.
[0:08:00] The well-intentioned alleviation of stress and what kids actually need.
[0:11:30] Why preparing for rejection is more beneficial than false encouragement.
[0:12:10] Alternative phrases you can say instead.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: