As parents, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by GPA, SAT, and ACT pressure during the college journey. But what if God is using this season to build perseverance, character, and faith in our students? This encouraging Christian blog explores what truly matters in college preparation while reminding parents and teens to trust God through every challenge, test score, and late-night study session.

( Listen on Apple Podcasts) As parents of high school seniors, you’ve probably heard the phrase “senioritis.” It’s that moment when students feel like they’re almost done, college acceptance letters are arriving, and motivation starts to slip. But here’s the truth: how your student finishes high school matters more than many people realize. In Chapter 11 of my book, Your Next Big Step: The Complete Manual for Christian Parents and Students Preparing for College, I close the

(Listen on Apple Podcasts) If you’re a parent of a high school student thinking about college preparation, there’s one strategy that many families overlook — but it can make a big difference both academically and financially. Working ahead. Specifically, earning college credit while still in high school . This is exactly what I discuss in Chapter 6 of my book, Your Next Big Step: The Complete Manual for Christian Parents and Students Preparing for College. When students appro

(Listen on Apple Podcasts) If you’re a parent of a high school student preparing for college, there’s something that can dramatically impact your child’s academic and career journey — and many families overlook it. Mentorship. Not just advice here and there, but intentional guidance from someone who has walked ahead of them. This is exactly what I discuss in Chapter 3 of my book, Your Next Big Step: The Complete Manual for Christian Parents and Students Preparing for College.

( Listen on Apple Podcasts) As a parent of a high school student, you want the best for your child — especially as they start thinking about college, majors, and future careers. But here’s a truth many families overlook: the best career decisions start long before a college campus tour . That’s exactly what we cover in Chapter 2 of my book, Your Next Big Step: The Complete Manual for Christian Parents and Students Preparing for College. In this chapter, we talk about career a

As a Christian parent of a high schooler, preparing your teen for college can feel overwhelming. Graduation brings excitement, independence, and tough decisions. In Your Next Big Step, we highlight the biblical principle of honor — teaching students to value and respect their parents. Honor builds wisdom, strengthens faith, and lays a foundation for success in college and beyond. Learn practical ways to guide your teen during this critical season.

Learn how mentoring helps teens grow in wisdom, character, and decision-making. Discover how parents can surround high school students with trusted mentors who reinforce values, provide guidance, and prepare them for life after graduation.

WWW.YOURNEXTBIGSTEP.ORG Jumping into majors because they're easy, popular, or pay well is a disaster waiting to happen for students. Research schools AFTER you discover how God uniquely made you. MBTI®, Strong Interest Inventory's Holland Code®, and CareerExplorer.com all offer career aptitude assessments that highlight your strengths, interests, and ideal work environments. They won't tell the future — but can offer insight into who you are today. Are you analytical and enj

High school graduation is an exhilarating time. Freedom is arriving. Independence is developing. Opportunity awaits you around every corner. Before you pick your major, fill out applications, and plan your campus tours, there is one question more important than any other: Who are you becoming? (See 2 Peter 3:18) College is a time of formation. The routines you establish, friendships you cultivate, and spiritual disciplines you maintain will mold you far more than your major e

WWW.YOURNEXTBIGSTEP.ORG One of the greatest gifts parents can give during senior year is patience in decision-making. Students can sometimes choose their major based on the dollars earned per degree or on what their friends are doing. Sometimes, they feel compelled to pick something because that’s what their parents are asking. Haste tastes sweet until decisions are made in a rush and regret sets in. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understandin