Application panic often sets in for senior families about this time of year. Deadlines are looming, and some families decide it’s time to reach out to someone who can help—a high school counselor or a paid private counselor.

If you’re considering enlisting a professional’s help to get to the application finish line, one of the best things you can do when you contact them is to be explicitly clear about what problem you’re trying to solve.

Several Octobers ago, I answered the phone at the Collegewise office and spoke with a father who did this perfectly. I even remember his exact words:

“My kid told me months ago that he was going to get this done on his own. But I checked in with him last night and he’s nowhere. He’s a good kid and he works hard, but now I feel like we’ve screwed up by not watching this more closely. Can you get him on track so I don’t have to regret this later?”

In less than 30 seconds, he’d told me exactly what his problem was. And we could have a real conversation about whether or not I thought we could fix it. But I couldn’t have done that as effectively if he’d given me vague descriptions about just needing a few hours to help with applications and essays.

It’s not easy to spill your problems out all over someone at first contact. But this is no time to be vague. Clearly explain your challenges, what kind of help you want, and what a successful outcome looks like. Then ask if this is a realistic expectation, and if so, how this person can help.

There’s no shame in admitting that you’d like some assistance with the college process. But throwing time, help, or money at the situation alone may not help and could even make it worse. Start by answering, “What’s your problem?” for yourself and for your student. And then communicate that as clearly as possible to the person whose help you’re seeking.