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

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

What’s the point of a $2,000 scholarship on a $75,000 school? 🙃
In this episode, college counselor and mom Lindsay breaks down how merit aid actually works, which schools give real money, and how families can avoid major sticker shock when college decisions arrive.

If you’ve ever assumed college affordability comes down to FAFSA forms and crossed fingers, this episode will change how you think about the process.

Inside this episode, you’ll learn:

• What merit aid is (and how it’s different from need-based financial aid)
• Why some schools give massive scholarships while others give almost nothing
• Which types of colleges tend to offer the most merit money
• How to research merit scholarships before your student applies
• Why test scores still matter — even in a “test-optional” world
• How one student earned $727,348 in scholarship offers (and what that number really represents)

Merit aid isn’t about luck — it’s about strategy. And when you know where to look, it can completely change your child’s college options.

🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned

• Learn more about The College-Bound Parent Collective:
  👉 https://cart.thecollegecounselingmom.com/parent-collective
  
  
• Interested in the Class of 2027 Dream Team (white-glove college counseling)?
  👉 Reply to the newsletter, DM Lindsay on Instagram, or leave me a comment.

📌 Key Takeaway

Merit aid creates choices. And families who plan for it early are the ones who get to choose colleges based on fit, not panic.

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

If you’re a parent of a high school junior, it probably feels like everyone has an opinion on what you should be doing right now — college visits, testing, extracurriculars, essays… all at once.

And the unspoken message underneath it all?

If you’re not doing everything, you’re behind.

In this episode, I’m busting some of the biggest myths junior parents believe — the ones that create unnecessary stress, waste time and money, and make the college admissions process way harder than it needs to be.

Because here’s the truth:

You don’t have to do everything. You just have to do the right things, at the right time.

We’re talking about what actually matters during junior year — and what you can safely stop stressing about.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why visiting too many colleges often backfires — and how to visit strategically instead
• How many times students really need to take the SAT or ACT (and when it’s not worth it)
• What “test-optional” actually means — and how to use it wisely
• Why colleges prefer depth over overload when it comes to extracurriculars
• What juniors really need (and don’t need) figured out by the end of this year
• How to build a smart foundation now so senior year doesn’t feel like a crisis

Resources Mentioned

🎓 Free College Visit Checklist (for parents + students)

Ask the questions that actually matter on campus tours — not just “How’s the food?”

👉 https://freebie.thecollegecounselingmom.com/college-visit-checklist

👥 The College-Bound Parent Collective

Step-by-step guidance, expert support, live calls, and a parent community — so you don’t have to navigate this process alone.

👉 https://cart.thecollegecounselingmom.com/parent-collective

Final Takeaway

Junior year is not a sprint — it’s a marathon.

You don’t need to visit every college.

You don’t need to take every test five times.

You don’t need to do all the extracurriculars.

You just need to focus on the right things, at the right time, with the right support.

And that changes everything.

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

If you’re the parent of a high school junior and January feels like a wake-up call—you’re not alone.

Winter break gave everyone a breather, but now the second semester of junior year is here, and suddenly college feels very real. In this episode, we’re talking about why January is actually the perfect reset point for junior families—and how to move forward with clarity instead of panic.

You’ll learn what truly matters right now, what can wait, and how to support your student through the most important academic semester colleges will see—without turning your household into a stress zone.

This conversation is designed to help you feel grounded, informed, and confident as you head into the second half of junior year.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• Why January—not September—is the real reset moment of junior year
• How second-semester grades impact college admissions
• What parents should prioritize now (and what doesn’t need attention yet)
• How to help your student course-correct without added pressure
• Why having a simple plan reduces stress for both parents and students
• A real-life look at navigating junior year from a parent’s perspective

Key Takeaway

You are not behind—and you don’t need to panic. January is your opportunity to reset with intention, create a realistic plan, and help your student finish junior year strong without chaos.

Helpful Reminders for Junior Parents:

• This semester counts more than you think, but perfection isn’t required
• Progress beats pressure every time
• Starting now makes senior year far less overwhelming

Loved This Episode?

If this episode helped you breathe a little easier, share it with another junior parent who could use some reassurance—and be sure to follow the podcast so you don’t miss what’s coming next.

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

The week between Christmas and New Year’s always feels different.

The rush slows. The noise softens. And there’s finally space to reflect on the year that was—what went well, what changed unexpectedly, and what still hurts.

In this reflective New Year’s episode, I’m sharing an honest look at a year that didn’t unfold the way I envisioned it would. From unexpected job changes, to watching my oldest prepare to graduate high school and head to college, to the emotional shift of having one child at home, this year brought transitions I didn’t see coming.

I’m also pulling back the curtain on my work as a college counselor—celebrating the fact that my one-on-one students have earned more than one million dollars in scholarships this year, while also acknowledging the families who are still waiting, navigating disappointment, or trying to make sense of decisions that didn’t land as hoped.

This episode isn’t about New Year’s resolutions or forced optimism.

Instead, we’re talking about:

• Why perspective can’t be rushed in the college admissions process
• How parents can hold pride and disappointment at the same time
• Why I choose intentions over resolutions
• What my word for the year ahead—alignment—really means
• And how to enter the new year with honesty, steadiness, and grace

Alignment, for me, is about noticing when something looks right on paper but no longer feels right in real life. It’s about clearer priorities, kinder boundaries, and allowing parenting, work, and personal values to move in the same direction.

If you’re a parent navigating high school, college admissions, or big family transitions—and you’re feeling caught between what was and what’s next—this episode is for you.

In This Episode, We Talk About:

• Reflecting during the week between Christmas and New Year’s
• Parenting through high school graduation and college transitions
• The emotional side of scholarships, acceptances, and waiting
• Why resolutions often add pressure—and intentions create space
• Choosing alignment in parenting, business, and life
• A gentler way to step into the new year

For Parents Listening

You don’t need grand resolutions or perfect clarity right now. You just need support that meets you where you are.

Thank you for trusting me with this season of your life.

Here’s to alignment when it comes, patience while it doesn’t, and believing the story is still unfolding.

Lindsay | The College Counseling Mom

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

This episode is for parents of teens — especially parents of high school seniors navigating college admissions decisions — who are feeling emotionally stretched during seasons of uncertainty.

Whether your student is facing college rejection, deferral, acceptance anxiety, or simply standing at the edge of a major transition, this Christmas Eve message is a reminder that nothing needs to be fixed right now.

Recorded for Christmas Eve but designed to be evergreen, this episode holds space for the emotional rollercoaster of parenting teens, waiting for college decisions, and letting go of familiar routines — without rushing grief or forcing solutions.

In This Episode, We Talk About

• Supporting teens through college admissions stress
• Parenting high school seniors during the holidays
• What parents can say when students are disappointed by college decisions
• Why emotions often surface when academic pressure eases
• How parents can hold space without trying to fix everything

Who This Episode Is For

• Parents of teens
• Parents of high school seniors
• Families navigating college admissions decisions
• Parents supporting teens through rejection, deferral, or waiting

A Note From Me

In my work with students and families, I see how heavy this season can feel — especially when answers are still unclear. If this episode resonated with you, please know you’re not alone, and you don’t have to navigate this season by yourself.

Ways to Connect or Reach Out

If you’d like to get in touch, learn more about my work with students and families, or ask a question sparked by this episode, here are a few ways to connect:

• 🌐 Website: www.thecollegecounselingmom.com
• 📧 Email: lindsay@thecollegecounselingmom.com
• 📱 Instagram: @thecollegecounselingmom

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

College decisions are starting to land—and for many families, this season feels heavy, emotional, and charged. Whether your teen is celebrating an acceptance, navigating a deferral, processing a rejection, or simply watching it all unfold from the sidelines, December can feel like everything is suddenly on the line.

In this episode, we slow the moment down.

You’ll hear why college decision season hits teens so deeply, what different admissions outcomes actually mean (without the spreadsheets), and how parents can support their kids without making the process more stressful or assigning meaning too quickly.

This conversation is about perspective, steadiness, and remembering that one decision does not define a life.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• Why teens experience college decisions as identity-level events
• How social comparison and school environments amplify emotions in December
• What acceptances, deferrals, and rejections really mean—and what they don’t
• Why December decisions are inputs, not conclusions
• How to avoid panic-driven changes to your teen’s college list
• What parents can say (and avoid saying) to support their teen emotionally
• How your calm and perspective matter more than any outcome

Key Takeaway for Parents:

College is a path, not a prize.

This week doesn’t determine your teen’s worth, future, or potential—and your steadiness right now can make all the difference.

Resources & Support:

If you’re navigating the college process or supporting a teen through high school decision-making, you don’t have to do it alone.

👉 https://freebie.thecollegecounselingmom.com/newsletter-sign-up

January brings clarity—and we’ll be talking more about next steps, perspective, and planning in the weeks ahead.

Connect With Me:

📧 Email: lindsay@thecollegecounselingmom.com

🌐 Website: www.thecollegecounselingmom.com

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecollegecounselingmom/

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecollegecounselingmom/

(If this episode resonated, send it to another parent who could use a little perspective this week.)

Loved This Episode?

• Follow or subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes
• Leave a review — it helps other parents find the show
• Share this episode with a friend, school parent group, or family member

Thank you for listening — and for showing up for your teen with steadiness and care.

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