Hey dads, if you’re feeling a bit lost about how to guide your kids toward college—or whether they should even go—don’t worry, you’re not alone. Recently, we had the chance to sit down with Andy Lockwood of Lockwood College Prep on the Call with Dads podcast, and he dropped some serious wisdom that every father needs to hear. With over 24 years of experience as a college advisor, Andy’s seen it all—helping families get into the right schools, pay less than the sticker price, and set kids up for success beyond the diploma. Here’s the scoop from our chat, tailored just for you.

College Isn’t a One-Size-Fits-All Deal

First off, Andy gets it—college isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. As dads, we want what’s best for our kids, but that doesn’t always mean a four-year degree. Andy pointed out that plenty of folks end up in college because they don’t know what else to do, racking up debt for majors like sociology or gender studies that might not lead to a clear career path. (No offense to burrito rollers or baristas—those are noble gigs—but you get the point.) Meanwhile, trades like firefighting (shoutout to co-host Tom J) or construction (looking at you, E.A. Maynard) can be lucrative and fulfilling without the tuition bill.

The takeaway? Start with the endgame. Andy’s all about “backward planning”—figuring out what your kid wants from life first, then deciding if college fits that picture. His firm’s P4 system (Planning, Path, Position, Produce) kicks off with career counseling to match your kid’s strengths to real-world goals. So, before you push for that Ivy League bumper sticker, ask: What’s this degree actually for?

You Don’t Have to Pay Full Price (Seriously)

Here’s a mind-blower Andy shared: the average discount at private colleges is over 56%. That’s right—those $90,000-a-year price tags? Negotiable. Andy’s seen it firsthand, having graduated with over $100,000 in debt himself (twice, thanks to law school). Now, he helps families avoid that trap. Whether it’s need-based aid (think FAFSA, based on your income and assets) or merit-based aid (scholarships for grades, talents, or just being a good fit), there’s money out there if you know where to look.

For dads with kids nearing college age, Andy’s tip is to “fish in the right pond.” Target schools that are generous with aid and match your kid’s profile. Don’t just fill out forms and hope—strategize. (Pro tip: Don’t overshare on the FAFSA—like listing your 401(k)—or you might lose out.) Andy’s team even negotiates with colleges to sweeten the deal. Who knew you could haggle with a university?

Homeschool Dads, You’ve Got an Edge

If you’re homeschooling—like E.A. with his crew or Tom with his younger daughters—Andy’s got good news: your kids might already have a leg up. He’s worked with homeschoolers who stand out because they’re curious, mature, and dive deep into their passions. Colleges love that. Unlike public or private school kids who might juggle a dozen shallow extracurriculars, homeschoolers often focus on a few meaningful interests, making them memorable to admissions officers who skim 1,000 applications a year.

Worried about transcripts? Relax—colleges only care about 9th grade onward. Keep records of high school coursework, and push your kids to ace the SAT or ACT to prove they can handle college-level work. (Andy noted standardized tests are making a comeback post-COVID because grade inflation’s out of control—everyone’s an A student now, right?) Focus on what makes your kid unique, and you’re golden.

Guidance Counselors Aren’t the Whole Answer

Here’s where Andy got real: don’t bank on school guidance counselors to have all the answers. E.A. shared how his high school counselor pegged him for vocational school or garbage collection—not exactly inspiring. Andy’s heard worse, even compiling a book, The Pocket Guide to Surviving Your Guidance Counselor’s Lack of Advice, full of horror stories. Counselors are often swamped with mental health duties or scheduling, leaving little time for college prep—or financial aid know-how.

For dads whose kids get lowballed like E.A. did, Andy’s advice is simple: be the CEO of your kid’s college journey. Get proactive, question everything, and seek second opinions. Your kid’s potential isn’t defined by a counselor’s bias—or their own high school slacker days.

Optimize the College Experience

Once your kid’s in, how do you make sure they’re not wasting time (and your money) on pointless classes? Andy’s strategy: reverse-engineer it. Connect with career centers, department heads, or alumni in your kid’s field to map out what courses actually matter. Skip the fluffy electives and focus on what leads to a job. When touring colleges, ditch the theater-major tour guide and snag a 20-minute chat with the engineering prof instead—those nuggets can even juice up application essays.

The Modern College Scene

Finally, Andy tackled what’s different today versus our college days. Sure, there’s still tailgating and jello shots (his daughter at Michigan proves it), but the stakes are higher. Debt’s scarier, job markets are tighter, and yeah, there’s some “woke ideology” and protests—like at Cornell after October 7th—that can make things uncomfortable. But he says it’s not as bad as the media hypes; 95% of his kids’ college life is still normal. The trick is picking a school that fits your family’s values and your kid’s goals.

Where to Find More

Andy’s a goldmine of info, and you can dig deeper at lockwoodcollegeprep.com. Check out his books—like The College Myth or the guidance counselor survival guide—on Amazon. He’s even got a cameo in Netflix’s Operation Varsity Blues docudrama (not as a perp, thankfully). For us, hit up callwithdads.com for this episode and more dad-centric chats. Tom’s at

@EarnHerRespect on X, and E.A.’s links are in the show notes.

Bottom line, dads: college is a tool, not a trophy. With Andy’s insights, you can help your kid wield it right—without breaking the bank or your sanity. Got questions? Reach out to Andy—he’s here to help us navigate this crazy ride.

Listen to the full episode at callwithdads.com and share your thoughts below!

Show Link: https://callwithdads.com/college-myths-money-and-homeschool-hacks-with-andy-lockwood/