Episode 36 | The 7 Things You Can Stop Stressing About This Summer

Okay, real talk. It's 10 PM, you swore you'd put your phone down, and instead you're deep in a college admissions thread reading about somebody's kid who's apparently curing diseases between AP exams. And there it is. That pit in your stomach. The one whispering that your kid isn't doing enough and you're already behind.Friend, that feeling is lying to you. And this episode is your permission slip to put it down.I'm not handing you one more to-do list today. I'm handing you a to-DON'T list, the seven things you can officially stop stressing about this summer. And I'm telling you all of this as someone who teaches this for a living and still caught herself spiraling over her own kid last week. So come for the relief, and stay because somebody is finally telling you the truth: you're doing so much better than you think.Here's what we get into:Why "well-rounded" is quietly out, and the one thing colleges actually want insteadHow many AP classes your kid really needs (go ahead and exhale)Whether a "perfect" test score is the make-or-break you've been told it isThe expensive summer programs you can skip with zero guiltWhy real impact beats a fancy title every single timeThe comparison trap that's quietly stealing your summer, and how to walk away from itWhy this one, why now: We're a month into summer, the Common App opens August 1, and the comparison spiral is in overdrive. Consider this your reset before the back half of summer gets away from you.Go ahead and screenshot these:"You're not behind. You're exactly where you need to be.""They want pointy, not perfect.""Put down half the list. I promise the sky stays up.""Expensive is not the same as impressive."Try this this week: Pick one thing off this list you've been white-knuckling and set it down, on purpose. Just one. Then notice that the world keeps right on turning.This episode is for you if: you love your kid, you've read all the things, and you're quietly exhausted before senior year has even started. Come take a breath with me. I've got you.A few honest answers to what you're probably Googling at midnight:Is it bad that my teen hasn't picked a major? Not even a little. It's normal, and it often makes for a more genuine application anyway.Does my kid need a perfect test score? No. Plenty of schools are still test-optional, and a strong-but-imperfect score rarely sinks a thoughtful app.Do colleges really want a ton of activities? They want depth, not a laundry list. Two things your kid truly loves beat eleven they don't.Your free download: Grab my free Common App Timeline, the simple "what to do and when" roadmap so you can stop guessing and stop Googling at 10 PM. (insert link)Want me in your corner? If you'd love a calmer, clearer way through all of this, come see if the College-Bound Parent Collective is your people. That's where I walk moms through it one doable step at a time. cart.thecollegecounselingmom.com/parent-collectiveIf you’re a parent navigating high school, college admissions, or the many transitions that come with raising teens, you’re in the right place.I’m Lindsay, a college counselor and parent who believes thoughtful guidance matters—especially for the awesomely average kid. The student who isn’t chasing prestige, but still deserves smart planning, clear strategy, and a path that truly fits.You can explore ways to work with me, learn about upcoming programs, or find additional resources at www.thecollegecounselingmom.com and sign up for my weekly newsletter here. If this episode was helpful, I’d be so grateful if you’d follow the show, leave a review, or share it with another parent who could use steady, grounded support.Thanks for being here. I’m honored to walk this season with you.Lindsay | The College Counseling Mom