Admissions personnel look favorably on applications where it is clear that the student, himself or herself, appears to be firmly in control over the whole application process; the appearance of pushy parents or coaching can have a dampening effect. Ideally it is best if the student, himself or herself, is in charge of organizing the college search and decision-making process; the "student must be in the driver's seat". One admissions dean explained: And admissions officers are turned off by "micromanaging parents".
Students who really manage the show on their own, fill out the application on their own, make their own appointments for interviews, correspond with you on their own email account - these students get extra points because they're managing their lives.
-- Jennifer Delahunty, Admissions Dean at Kenyon