Choosing a college can be a daunting, exciting experience. With so much pressure put on the decision, it can hard to see the forest through the trees. True, college is an expensive investment (especially these days) and choosing a good fit for your student helps ensure graduation success and hopefully a future job.
But let's cut to the chase. Nothing in life is certain. That goes for colleges, professors, degrees and majors, job markets, scholarships and student loans, and your student's goals. Everything can change, and nothing is a guarantee, including that ideal college sitting up there on the shining hill of your student's imagination.
To keep your student grounded and focused on what's important, here are a few basic tips for guiding him to a college that's a good fit:
1. Choose a Major First – It's tempting for your student to go to "cool" college or one that all his student's friends are going to. Rather, start first with what your student wants to be; then choose a college that offers a good program for this area. (This will save time, money, frustration, and the earning of a degree that never gets used.) If your student isn't sure, consider a tech school or community college for a few years, until he figures out what appeals to him.
2. Set a Budget – Loans can grow faster than your student's laundry pile. Keep your student's life and future expenses in check by setting a budget for college and only considering those in your range. Even if your student wins a scholarship, this will just be a plus for the budget. Colleges are filled with students who will take 10 to 30 years to pay back loans or even default on loans after graduation, ruining their credit scores. Consider the investment of a degree versus the ROI of the degree.
3. Start Local – The closer the college, the more likely your student will receive your need financial and emotional support, enjoy lower tuition (for in-state students), and know people already attending. The further your student goes to college, the less likely he'll be to feel comfortable, motivated, and most likely will get homesick (unless you have the adventurous type.)
4. Don't Be Dazzled – Ivy League universities and top colleges and look good on paper and in person. But they cost a lot too. Dig in deeper beyond the marketing, hype, and prestige. Does the "perfect" college you have in mind have what matters like high graduation rates, good professor ratings, student satisfaction, and employment rates after graduation? For many, a college is a symbol of social status; however, what really matters is the future of your student after college and if the college really prepares him for that.
5. Visit Campuses – No brochure or website can give you the feel of being on a college campus. Give your student the big picture by planning trips to visit top colleges on your student's list. Ideally do this early in high school so by his junior year he is decided and has applied to his top college choices. Be careful not to push an unrealistic college at your student.
6. Submit Paperwork Early – Applications, forms, scholarships all take time and work. Start early on filling out all the paperwork needed. Most likely you as a parent will need to gather additional information before submitting material to desired colleges, such as transcripts, health records, student awards, entrance exam scores, and any portfolio items.
7. Have a Backup Plan – College isn't for everyone, and your student's top college pick may not pick him. Don't let the floor go crashing through on your student's dreams. Have a backup plan (whether other colleges or non-college career options) just in case your student doesn't get in where he wants. Military, volunteerism, tech schools, jobs, self-employment and internships are all alternatives.
What are your tips for choosing a college? Share with others.