the Best college plans start with self-knowledge, not certainty.
- amytrinn
- Dec 10, 2025
- 3 min read
if you're a parent of a high school teen, you've probably heard one of these:
“Have they picked a major yet?”
“What career are they thinking about?”
Students hear these questions constantly—and with the best of intentions. But these conversations often push teens into early declarations that may or may not be rooted in self-understanding, and their college plans can suffer.
The truth is simple: Students don’t need to have it all figured out.
They just need direction, not certainty.
Clarity Comes From Exploration, Not Pressure
The most important work a student can do before college is not choosing a major, it’s learning about who they are:
→ how they naturally solve problems
→ what kind of learning environment feels right
→ how quickly they process information
→ what energizes them and what drains them
Those insights make early decisions intentional, not accidental.
Why “I know exactly what I want to do” can be misleading
Some students cling to an early idea because it makes the questions stop. But that “certainty” is often thin.
I once worked with a student, Marcus, who insisted economics was the perfect fit. Later, his abilities assessment showed a very strong ability in structural and spatial patterns—traits often seen in design, architecture, engineering, and other fields he had never considered. He didn’t need to abandon his first idea; he just broadened his horizon. We looked for ways to expose him to those fields, long before he needed to make a decision.
Exploration didn’t confuse him. It clarified his next steps.
Why “I’ll figure it out when I get there” can lead to drifting
College offers endless opportunities, but without direction, it’s easy to wander through requirements without gaining clarity. Students don’t need a definitive plan. They just need a few grounded starting points that guide early choices.
These small steps add up.
Prestige Doesn’t Equal Alignment
Families often chase the most selective colleges. But even the most prestigious school cannot tell a student:
→ what motivates them
→ how they think best
→ which environments allow them to thrive
Students who succeed after college are those who understand their natural strengths—not those who simply attended the highest-ranked school.
Well-Meaning Advice Only Works When It Fits the Student
Parents, teachers, and counselors play important roles—but they do not live inside the student’s mind or understand all their abilities.
One student I supported, Elena, followed a family suggestion toward physical therapy. Once she learned about her natural abilities—high verbal and analytical strengths—she realized that path didn’t match her. With some exploration, she found her niche in communications and advocacy.
Her shift wasn’t dramatic. It was a small, intentional step toward alignment.
The College Plan Is a Transition, Not a Destination
The move from high school to college is one of the earliest adult turning points. Students who enter with even a little direction tend to feel more grounded.
I think of Jason, who entered college exploring three different but related fields. Each semester, he sampled one. Over time, he discovered which work truly resonated. He didn’t rush—he explored with intention.
Your GPA Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story
Grades, scores, activities—these measure performance, not identity.
A student can earn top scores and still feel out of sync with a chosen major. Tara’s story is a perfect example. She checked every box academically, yet felt drained by her finance career. An abilities assessment helped her see she was wired for creative and interpersonal work.
She hadn’t failed. She had simply never been aligned.
The Path Forward:
Directionality, Not Perfection
Students don’t need a major.
They don’t need certainty.
They don’t need to map out their whole lives.
What they need is:
→ self-knowledge
→ a few possible directions
→ permission to explore intentionally
→ small steps that reveal the next steps
This is why I use the Highlands Ability Battery. It gives students a clear starting point—not to lock them in, but to light the path ahead.
When students understand themselves, decisions become easier, not harder—and every step forward feels more purposeful.
About the Author
Amy Trinnaman is the founder of Amy Trinnaman Educational Consulting, LLC, where she provides personalized guidance to students and families navigating the complexities of college and boarding school admissions. With over 20 years of experience in education, Amy is dedicated to demystifying the admissions process and alleviating stress for her clients. She focuses on crafting tailored strategies that help students discover their strengths, set achievable goals, and present authentic, compelling applications. Amy's commitment is to connect students with educational opportunities that align with their academic aspirations and personal growth.