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) One of the most common concerns I hear from parents and high school students preparing for college is this: “What if I pick the wrong major?” If you’ve had that conversation at your kitchen table, you’re not alone. In Chapter 10 of my book, Your Next Big Step: The Complete Manual for Christian Parents and Students Preparing for College, I walk families through the reality of declaring and sometimes changing a college major — and why that process

( Listen on Apple Podcasts ) As a parent, one of the most exciting — and sometimes overwhelming — steps in preparing your student for college is visiting prospective schools . Chapter 9 of my book, Your Next Big Step: The Complete Manual for Christian Parents and Students Preparing for College, helps families move from research to real-life experience, ensuring that campus visits are intentional, organized, and insightful . Step 1: Use the Campus Survey Sheet Before stepping

(Listen on Apple Podcasts) Navigating the world of post–high school education can feel overwhelming. With so many options, how do you know which path is right for your student? That’s exactly what I address in Chapter 8 of my book, Your Next Big Step: The Complete Manual for Christian Parents and Students Preparing for College — helping families classify and understand school types so decisions are informed, intentional, and aligned with God’s plan. Academic Recognition Matt

(Listen on Apple Podcasts) If you’re a parent of a high school student preparing for college, one of the biggest questions you’re probably asking is this: How are we going to pay for college? Whether your student is considering a university or a technical school , the cost of higher education is a real concern for many families. The good news is that paying for college usually doesn’t come from just one place — it comes from a well-thought-out combination of resources . This

( Listen on Apple Podcasts ) If you’re a parent of a high school student preparing for college, there’s one topic that tends to bring stress into the conversation pretty quickly: Standardized testing. Tests like the SAT or ACT can feel overwhelming for students, and many families aren’t quite sure how early to start preparing or how strategic they should be. That’s exactly why I address this topic in Chapter 4 of my book, Your Next Big Step: The Complete Manual for Christian

Help your teen finish high school strong during senior year. Learn how parents can guide students to maintain strong academics, spiritual discipline, and character before college while avoiding “senior slump.” Discover practical ways to reinforce priorities like faith, friendships, purity, and responsibility so your student launches into college prepared to honor God and succeed.