The choice of school is a "pivotal" inflection point in people's lives, with a number of considerations at work.

With all kinds of concerns preying on people’s minds these days, one specific issue for families is how their children – or young adults – are going to handle the rigors and make the most of their education. In the case of North American education (and elsewhere in certain countries), there are controversies that can tip over into political argument. The governance and conduct of some of the world’s most famous universities has gotten politically charged, for example. Long before college, there are concerns of ever-rising fees and costs. Considering that HNW families often pay significant sums to give their offspring a strong start in life, the stakes are also high for them. (This also begs questions of where this leaves ideas around meritocracy and opportunity, for example). 

To try and hack through all this is Lindsay Tanne, who is the founder of a global admissions consultancy. (More on the author below.)

The editors are pleased to share these views; the usual editorial disclaimers apply. Please remember that such articles are designed to fire up conversations, so join in with views and suggestions. Email tom.burroughes@wealthbriefing.com and amanda.cheesley@clearviewpublishing.com

As a college advisor to some of the world’s most influential global families, I’ve seen firsthand how deeply personal, and often quietly overwhelming, the admissions process can be. Behind closed doors, even the most accomplished and forward-thinking families are wrestling with questions that they don’t always feel comfortable voicing:

Have we chosen the right secondary school…or even the right zip code?
Will my child’s ‘privilege’ hurt them in this process?
How does my child’s educational path tie into our family legacy?

For so many families, education isn’t just about academics; it’s the cornerstone of next-generation opportunity, values, and identity. That’s why the college admissions process is such a pivotal inflection point, considered strategically alongside broader goals around global mobility, long-term planning, and family enterprise.

This is the space where my team does its work – helping families move from uncertainty to clarity with thoughtful guidance, empathy, and strategy that honors both the student and the family’s larger vision. Along the way, certain themes begin to surface – quiet questions and underlying concerns that often go unspoken but shape the choices families make. Here are a few that tend to linger just beneath the surface.

What are colleges really looking for? 
Increasingly, admissions committees rely on a holistic review process, which emphasizes the “softer” elements of an application: extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendation letters. Given that readers typically have just 10 to 15 minutes to review each application, the students who stand out are those who’ve taken the time to craft a thoughtful, authentic narrative by senior year. The most compelling narratives are rooted in authenticity, with one interest or activity fueling the next. For this reason, families are engaging with our team earlier, often at the end of middle school, to help carve a thoughtful and intentional path through high school that aligns with a student’s genuine interests and goals.

What are the new rules of engagement around legacy? 
Legacy admissions are part of an evolving landscape. Some colleges (Amherst, Johns Hopkins, Carnegie Mellon, among others) have explicitly stated that they will no longer consider legacy status in the admissions process. That said, relationships and philanthropy can still play a role at many institutions.
 
For families navigating this, discretion is key. If a parent is contemplating calling in a favor or leveraging a relationship, it’s important to be thoughtful about how it’s done, who is communicating on the student’s behalf, and what is being said. Colleges are increasingly sensitive to perceived overreach, and a well-intentioned outreach can backfire if it feels inappropriate or disconnected from the student’s genuine interest in the school. Discretion, timing, and authenticity are essential.
 
How can I present my child’s privilege with purpose?  
I often get asked whether it looks “bad” for a high school student to intern with a parent or family friend as part of their college application narrative. Surprising to some, my answer is a firm “no.” Colleges aren’t expecting 15-year-olds to have built independent networks from scratch, and they understand that many opportunities come through family connections.
 
The question on readers’ minds isn’t how a student got the position, but what they did with it. And more broadly, did they take advantage of the opportunities available to them to create something positive, whether that’s through leadership, service, or intellectual growth? We’ve seen students raise thousands of dollars for meaningful causes by leveraging their networks, and colleges view that kind of effort as a powerful reflection of a student’s initiative and impact.
 
How do I set my child up for success in an increasingly global world?  
Universities outside of the US are becoming a bigger part of the conversation for both American and international students. Today, many families view global options as exciting alternatives that can offer a world-class education and the opportunity to build a global network.
 
We’re hearing more students say, “If I’m not accepted to my Early Decision school, I’d rather have an amazing international experience at a place like St Andrews or Bocconi.” These institutions are academically rigorous, located in vibrant cities, and often come at a lower price point than their US counterparts.
 
This shift also reflects a broader trend: families are thinking more globally about their children’s futures. Whether it’s to gain international exposure, unlock mobility options, or align with business expansion plans, overseas education can become part of a larger strategic framework.
 
Can college be a catalyst for generational planning?
A generational perspective can profoundly influence how families choose the environments in which their child will build meaningful connections, tap into influential alumni communities, and position themselves for long-term personal and professional success. Global college admissions can play a powerful role in creating future flexibility both for the individual and the broader family enterprise.

For many families, college selection is driven by a clear sense of purpose. Is the goal for the child to gain the skills needed to lead a family business? Is name recognition important for breaking into competitive fields like finance or consulting, where certain universities have strong recruiting pipelines?
 
Some parents even approach college admissions in tandem with long-term family planning, envisioning themselves spending more time (and maybe even retiring) in the country where their child studies and graduates. In this context, the admissions process becomes more than just getting in. It’s about aligning family values, goals, and opportunities across generations.
 
A fulfilling journey 
The pressures around college admissions aren’t going away. If anything, they’re becoming more heightened for families with influence and global ambition. But with early planning, self-awareness, and a clear sense of purpose, the process can become a thoughtful, empowering experience rather than a source of stress. That shift in mindset can make all the difference, both in outcomes for your child and the growth it inspires along the way.
 
Lindsay Tanne (pictured below) launched LogicPrep while a student at Harvard. Nearly two decades later, the firm is a global college admissions consultancy, providing comprehensive college guidance, strategic test preparation, and academic support.