The Most Expensive Mistake Families Make in College Planning
- amytrinn
- Apr 12
- 3 min read
Most students start the college process by asking, “What should I major in?” and then, “Where should I apply?” It makes sense. That does feel like the logical place to begin.
But after 20 years of doing this work, I can tell you, this is where things often go wrong because those questions are being asked too early.
Right now, most students are trying to choose a major or build a college list without really understanding what they are naturally good at, how they learn, what environments they’ll thrive in, or how their interests actually translate into direction. And when that exploratory piece is missing, everything else becomes guesswork. That is no way to approach one of the most expensive investments you’ll ever make.
Without that foundation, college planning is based on what sounds good, what other people suggest, or what feels familiar. Sometimes it works out. But a lot of times, it doesn’t.
I see students end up in environments that don’t bring out their best. I see them choose paths that don’t stick. I see families miss opportunities—especially when it comes to merit aid—because the strategy wasn’t aligned with who the student actually is.
And then, a year or two in, they’re recalibrating. Changing majors. Transferring. Or starting over in some way. That’s not a failure. It’s actually very common. But it can be expensive with regard to time, money, and confidence. That false start is now very costly.
The issue isn’t that students are making bad decisions. It’s that they’re being asked to make big decisions in college planning before they have the information they really need.
So I approach this differently.
Before we talk about majors or colleges, we get really clear on the student. How they think. How they learn. Where they naturally perform at their best. What actually holds their attention and what doesn’t.
And this isn’t just conversation or guesswork. I use tools like the Highlands Ability Battery and the Myers-Briggs Strong Interest Inventory to give us real data about how a student is wired—how they process information, what kinds of work energizes them, and where their natural strengths show up.
Because once you have that clarity, everything else starts to make more sense.
The major becomes clearer. The college list becomes more intentional. The application feels more grounded and, ultimately, stronger—because it’s rooted in something real.
Families I work with don’t feel like they’re guessing. They feel like they understand the “why” behind their decisions, and that changes the entire process.
This isn’t about adding another step. It’s about starting in the right place so you’re not making one of the biggest investments of your life based on trial and error.
If you’re early in the process and feeling unsure where to begin, start with understanding the student.
That’s exactly why I created the ALTitude assessment. It helps determine the best way to approach that process—whether through tools like the Highlands Ability Battery, the Strong Interest Inventory, or a combination of both—so you have a clear starting point before you begin making high-stakes choices.
Because when you get that part right, everything that follows becomes more focused, more strategic, and a whole lot less stressful.
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.
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