Choosing a college is one of the biggest – and most expensive – decisions children and their parents make, so it’s important to do your research and ensure the right fit. Deciding where to spend the next four years of your life can be extremely overwhelming, especially when you consider that those four years could impact your life forever.
The best way to turn down the stress a few notches is to see the options for yourself, keeping the following suggestions in mind.
1. Start considering options early, as young as eighth grade. Though wait until preferably sophomore or junior year before submitting applications. This gives the student a chance to get a feel for the types of schools they would like to attend and eliminate any they definitely do not like before spending the time and money to submit an application.
2. Before deciding on schools to visit, make a list of factors your child feels are important to his or her selection process (i.e., the school’s location, academic or athletic programs, dorm sizes, etc.). Prioritize the list and research which schools meet your criteria.
3. Visit a wide variety of schools: public and private, large and small, urban and rural.