Show Notes
The college process can feel overwhelming fast—especially when parents don't know what they should be doing, what their teen should be handling, or how much college is actually going to cost.
In this episode, I sit down with local author and education grant writer Deborah Schoeneshoefer, author of Your Teen Is Headed to College! After navigating the college search and application process with her own two children, Deb turned years of research, notes, and firsthand experience into the comprehensive parent playbook she wished she'd had.
Like many parents, Deb initially found herself trying to keep track of deadlines, applications, financial decisions, school options, and everything her daughter needed to do. Along the way, she realized there was a better way to approach the process—one that allows parents to provide guidance while giving their teen ownership of what comes next.
Together, we explore how families can prepare for college before senior year, build a realistic college list, understand the true cost of attending different schools, and make more informed financial decisions before applications are ever submitted.
Deb also explains why the advertised price of a college doesn't necessarily tell you what your family will pay, how schools allocate financial aid and merit scholarships, and why doing your research early could potentially save your family thousands of dollars.
We also talk about the relationship side of this season—how to support your teen without taking over, reduce some of the stress and conflict at home, and remember to actually enjoy the final years before they leave home.
In this episode, we cover:
• When families should start talking about college
• How to build a realistic college target list
• Understanding the true cost of college
• Financial aid, merit scholarships, and college affordability
• How researching schools early could save families thousands of dollars
• What parents should handle and what teens should do themselves
• How to support your teen without taking over the process
• What to consider when visiting and comparing colleges
• Why finding the right fit matters more than creating the "perfect" application
• How to reduce stress and conflict during senior year
• Why parents should slow down and enjoy this season, too
One of the biggest reminders from this conversation is that the goal isn't simply getting your teen into college. It's helping them find a path that fits who they are, what your family can realistically afford, and what they want for their future.
If you have a high schooler—even if college applications still feel a few years away...
This episode will help you understand what's ahead and give you practical ways to start preparing now. Because the more informed you are going into this season, the more space you'll have to support your teen, enjoy the milestones, and help them confidently take ownership of what comes next.
Connect with Deb Schoeneshoefer:
Amazon: Your Teen Is Headed to College!: The Senior Year Parent Playbook: Step-by-Step from College List to Acceptance
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