What Does a College Counselor Actually Do? (More Than You Think)
March 20, 2026
A few weeks ago I sat across from a senior and his mom. He had options. A few schools, all fine on paper, all in-state,
How to Compare Colleges When They All “Feel Right”: Using the Three-Fit Framework
February 6, 2026
You’ve done the tours. You’ve walked the quads. You’ve eaten in the dining halls and sat through the admissions presentations. And now you have a
Episode 17 | How to Know If a College Is a Good Fit: The Three-Fit Framework Every Family Needs
February 4, 2026
If your family is choosing colleges based on vibes, gut feelings, or a campus tour on a perfect spring day, this post might save you
College Visits 101: How to Make the Most of Campus Tours (And What to Actually Look For)
January 30, 2026
Winnie—my 9-month-old labradoodle—discovered snow last week. Well, technically it was Ice Storm 2026. But there was enough snow mixed in for her to experience it
Episode 16 | Prestige vs. Fit: Why Your Student’s “Dream School” Might Not Be the Right School
January 28, 2026
Choosing a college is one of the most emotional decisions families make — and it’s easy to assume that a prestigious school is automatically the
Merit Aid 101: How to Find Colleges That Will Actually Pay Your Student to Attend
January 23, 2026
Every year, I watch families build college lists based on rankings, campus tours, and gut feelings. And then April rolls around, the financial aid packages
Episode 15 | How to Find Colleges That Give Merit Aid (And Why It Matters More Than You Think)
January 21, 2026
College costs are out of control. And for many families, the biggest shock doesn’t come from tuition itself — it comes from the financial aid
Testing Doesn’t Matter… Except When It Does (And How to Know the Difference)
January 16, 2026
Let’s talk about the most confusing thing in college admissions right now: testing. Because here’s what every junior parent hears: “Most schools are test-optional now!”
Episode 14 | College Admissions Myths Junior Parents Need to Stop Believing
January 14, 2026
If you’re parenting a high school junior right now, chances are the college conversation has gone from background noise to full-volume overwhelm. Suddenly, everyone has
Episode 13 | Second Semester of Junior Year: A Calm Reset for Parents
January 7, 2026
The second semester of junior year has a way of hitting differently. The holidays are over, routines are back, and suddenly it’s clear: this isn’t
hi! I'm Lindsay!
Former high school counselor, mom of two boys, and your guide from freshman year through the finish line. I help parents figure out what matters now, what can wait, and what to do next.
Got a question that won't wait?
Bring it to my free parent workshop. I teach a little, then we spend real time on your questions.