Choosing a college can feel overwhelming for parents and students — especially when deciding between a prestigious college and a school that’s actually the right fit. In this episode, a college admissions expert breaks down the difference between college prestige vs. college fit, why rankings can be misleading, and how families can choose the best college for their student beyond name recognition and U.S. News rankings.

After working with hundreds of students, I’ve seen it happen over and over again: students get into their “dream school” and realize they don’t actually want to go — they just wanted to get in. In this episode, we’re talking honestly about why that happens, how to avoid the prestige trap, and what parents should really be paying attention to during the college decision process.

You’ll hear real stories from inside college admissions, including how campus visits reveal far more than a website ever could, why interests matter more than majors, and how choosing the right-fit college often leads to more scholarship money, not less.

In this episode, we cover:

• College prestige vs. fit — and why rankings don’t equal happiness
• Why “dream schools” can create unnecessary pressure for families
• What to actually pay attention to on college campus visits
• How students can explore interests without locking into a major
• What yield protection is and how it impacts college admissions decisions
• Why right-fit colleges often offer more scholarships
• How parents can support their student without pushing prestige

If you’re a parent navigating college admissions, building a college list, or planning college visits — this episode will help you reset the conversation and focus on what truly matters for your student’s success and happiness.

🎓 Free College Visit Resources

Planning college visits? I created two free resources to help you make the most of every campus tour. Make sure to grab them.

• College Visit Checklist (one for parents, one for students) https://freebie.thecollegecounselingmom.com/college-visit-checklist
• College Visitor’s Guides — what to see, where to go, and what actually matters on campus https://freebie.thecollegecounselingmom.com/college-visitors-guide

Ready for More Support?

If you’re a parent of a high school student thinking, “This makes sense — but I still don’t know how to help my kid figure this out,” that’s exactly what we work on inside The College-Bound Parent Collective.

👉 Learn more here: https://cart.thecollegecounselingmom.com/parent-collective

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