Playbook 4: Finding the Right Fit

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Proverbs 3:5–6

Dear Senior Mom,

By now, the question has probably started.

"Where are they applying?"

It comes from neighbors. Friends. Family. Even strangers in the grocery store.

Sometimes it feels like everyone wants to know the answer before your child even has the chance to figure it out.

Here's what I want you to remember this week:

The goal isn't to get into the "best" college. The goal is to find the place where your child can become the best version of themselves.

For some students, that might be a large university with thousands of classmates. For others, it's a small college where professors know their name.

It could be a trade school, community college, military service, a gap year, or stepping directly into a career. There is no one-size-fits-all path.

As parents, it's easy to compare. To wonder if your child is doing enough. Applying to enough schools. Taking enough tests. Building an impressive enough résumé.

But comparison has a way of stealing the joy from this season.

Instead of asking, "What is everyone else doing?" ask, "Where will my child thrive?" That's the question worth answering.

Shift your focus from prestige to purpose.

The right school is the one where your child can grow academically, spiritually, emotionally, and personally.

Work together to create three categories.

Reach Schools — schools that are more competitive but still worth pursuing.

Target Schools — schools where your student's academic profile aligns well with typical admitted students.

Likely Schools — schools where admission is very likely and your child would genuinely be happy to attend.

Questions to Ask About Every School

Instead of focusing only on rankings, explore questions like:

• ☐Can you picture yourself living here?
• ☐Do students seem happy?
• ☐What majors interest you?
• ☐What internships are available?
• ☐What is the average class size?
• ☐Are professors accessible?
• ☐What clubs and organizations fit your interests?
• ☐Is there a faith community if that's important to you?
• ☐What is campus life like on weekends?
• ☐Can we realistically afford this option?

Remember, choosing a college is about finding the right environment—not winning a competition.

Set aside an evening to dream together.

Pull up campus websites. Watch student videos. Look at photos. Explore traditions. Talk about what excites your senior most.

No applications. No deadlines. Just possibilities.

Order pizza. Make popcorn. Enjoy imagining the future together.

Before they begin exploring new campuses, spend time remembering the places that helped shape who they are.

Take photos at:

• Their elementary school
• The neighborhood park
• Their church
• Their favorite coffee shop
• Their high school
• Their basketball court, football field, dance studio, or theater
• The family home

One day, these places will become part of their story.

Ask your senior:

"When you picture yourself four years from now, what kind of person do you hope you've become?"

Notice the conversation isn't about where they'll be. It's about who they'll become.

Add something that represents this season of dreaming.

Ideas:

• A college brochure
• A campus map
• A postcard from a college visit
• A handwritten list of dream schools
• A favorite campus photo
• Notes from your Dream Day conversation

These little pieces will remind you that every big decision began with hope.

Playbook 5 – Put Down the Phone—Pick Up the Moment. We'll slow down enough to notice the ordinary moments before they quietly become cherished memories.