Many parents wonder if allowing their teens to explore multiple interests in high school might hurt their chances of getting into a top-tier college. In this episode of Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You, Cathy and Meredith tackle a listener question about whether their ninth grader should focus on one passion early or continue exploring a diverse range of interests. They break down the myth of the "perfect admissions hook," the harsh reality of ultra-competitive college acceptance rates, and how admissions officers actually evaluate students. They also discuss the risks of forcing specialization too soon, the importance of encouraging genuine intellectual curiosity, and why a well-rounded, thriving teen is more important than a hyper-focused résumé. To hear why pushing too hard can backfire and how to support your teen in a way that truly benefits their growth and future, tune in today! Key Points From This Episode: [0:01:05] A parent’s big question: should my teen start specializing now? [0:02:54] Focusing on thriving, not just college admissions. [0:04:58] Facing the facts: statistically, elite schools reject almost everyone. [0:07:06] The sometimes boring truth about the “all-in” specialist kid. [0:08:24] What really makes a student stand out in applications. [0:10:48] The risks of forcing a teenager into a narrow path too soon. [0:12:34] Reasons that some kids rebel when parents push too hard. [0:15:16] Why college admission is not the only measure of success. [0:16:20] The illusion of control and the impact of putting too much pressure on teens. [0:18:59] Playing the long game by preparing your kid for life, not just a school! [0:21:04] Real talk about how even the best kids don’t always get into top colleges. [0:23:09] Rethinking what “success” really means and how to support your kid. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You on Instagram