Choosing the right college isn’t just about rankings or prestige—it’s about finding the best fit. In this special episode, Megan shares the story of how her son made his final college decision for next fall. Along the way, we reflect on what this process looks like in a family of multigenerational college graduates—and how that experience compares with Edward’s perspective as a first-generation college student.

Through this personal lens, we explore key lessons that apply to every student navigating the college decision process, including:

• Why campus visits can be game-changing—even if you think you already know where you want to go

• The pros and cons of large public universities vs. small private colleges, and how to tell which is right for you

• How to separate fact from fiction when it comes to “big name” schools and what they actually offer

• What it looks like to make a confident, informed choice instead of chasing the most prestigious option

Whether you’re choosing your own college or helping someone you love through the process, this episode offers a grounded, thoughtful take on what really matters—and how to tune out the noise.

Join the conversation: Email your questions to [email protected] or watch us on YouTube (@CollegePrepPodcast) and leave a comment. Your question might be featured in a future episode.

The post 574: Big Name School vs. Best Fit: A Real-Life College Decision Story appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.