Choosing the right college can feel overwhelming — especially when families are told to trust their gut or wait for a “feeling” on a campus tour. But what if that feeling leads you to a school that isn’t affordable, supportive, or aligned with your student’s needs?

In this episode, I’m breaking down how to actually know if a college is a good fit using my proven Three-Fit Framework. This is the exact framework I use with families to evaluate colleges strategically — not emotionally — so students can thrive and families can avoid costly mistakes.

By the end of this episode, you’ll know how to confidently assess academic fit, cultural fit, and financial fit, and why all three must work together when building a college list.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why “college fit” is so often misunderstood
• The difference between a campus vibe and a smart college strategy
• How to evaluate academic fit beyond just majors
• What really matters when assessing campus culture
• How to determine financial fit using net price — not sticker price
• Why choosing a school that only checks 2 out of 3 boxes often leads to regret
• The exact order families should use when building a college list

The Three-Fit Framework Explained

Academic Fit:

Does the school offer strong programs, accessible faculty, academic support, and positive post-graduation outcomes?

Cultural Fit:

Will your student feel comfortable, supported, and able to find their people on campus — both in and out of the classroom?

Financial Fit:

Can your family afford the school without long-term financial stress or excessive student loan debt?

👉 A school is only a good fit if all three of these align.

Helpful Resources Mentioned in This Episode

🎓 Free Net Price Calculator Tracker

Organize and compare college costs side by side so you can make informed financial decisions without overwhelm.

👉 Grab it here: https://freebie.thecollegecounselingmom.com/net-price-calculator

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 College-Bound Parent Collective

Ongoing guidance, tools, and a supportive community for parents navigating the college admissions process with clarity and confidence.

👉 Learn more: https://coaching.thecollegecounselingmom.com/collective-invite-vsl

Recommended For:

• Parents of high school sophomores and juniors
• Families building or refining a college list
• Anyone worried about choosing the wrong college for their student
• Parents who want clarity around college affordability and outcomes

If you’re a parent navigating high school, college admissions, or the many transitions that come with raising teens, you’re in the right place.

I’m Lindsay, a college counselor and parent who believes thoughtful guidance matters—especially for the awesomely average kid. The student who isn’t chasing prestige, but still deserves smart planning, clear strategy, and a path that truly fits.

You can explore ways to work with me, learn about upcoming programs, or find additional resources at www.thecollegecounselingmom.com and sign up for my weekly newsletter here.

If this episode was helpful, I’d be so grateful if you’d follow the show, leave a review, or share it with another parent who could use steady, grounded support.

Thanks for being here. I’m honored to walk this season with you.
Lindsay | The College Counseling Mom