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“How Do I Know What College to Choose?”
“How Do I Know What College to Choose?”
It is easy to get overwhelmed during college visits and applying to your choice institutions. You have the option to see hundreds of available schools, each with their own pros and cons.
It is easy to get overwhelmed during college visits and applying to your choice institutions. You have the option to see hundreds of available schools, each with their own pros and cons.
Many questions may run through your head, including: "What type of school am I actually looking for?"
Many questions may run through your head, including: "What type of school am I actually looking for?"
We've tried to make this easier for you, and given you a few things to think about when making the choice.
We've tried to make this easier for you, and given you a few things to think about when making the choice.
Here are some tips and things to think about when making your decision:
Here are some tips and things to think about when making your decision:
What Am I Being Offered?
What Am I Being Offered?
This is one of the most important aspects when determining what college/university your child may attend.
Financial aid may be offered from multiple sources, such as the federal government, state government, or outside organizations. However, the most important resource that you have is what is given to you directly by the school.
These awards are typically based in combination on your student's high school performance and their SAT/ACT scores. Many schools are starting to publish this information online for your view.
If your child did not do well on the SAT/ACT: Do not fret! Many schools are moving to "test optional" admission processes. This means schools will instead focus on your child's high school average and other related criteria.
However, be careful! Once you submit your child's SAT/ACT scores to a school, will not be able to switch to "test optional," review, or vice versa! You need to make the decision before submitting scores.
School scholarship awards do not usually increase over time, but tuition does! Your best offer is given before you enroll. The more you are offered, the more it will help ease the burden!
You can always appeal to a school for more money, but there is no guarantee that you will receive additional aid. As a pointer, try comparing other schools’ offers with your choice institution. If a competitor is offering more money, the school may match their offer!
Keep in mind that scholarships are provided based on a percentage. Schools are not comparing flat $ amounts , they are comparing percentages. For example: School A is giving you $10,000, and their tuition costs $20,000 per year. School B is giving you $20,000, but their tuition costs $60,000 per year. Although School B is giving you more money, School A is giving you a higher percentage off. While School A might not give you more based on this comparison, you may have a chance for more aid from School B!)
As another pointer, be honest about any difficulties that you or your family may be facing.
Writing a letter to the financial aid office director regarding any disabilities, loss of employment, family/medical emergency, death in the family, etc., may help provide you with additional funding.
Certain life events or costs may mean changes to your FAFSA!
Paying for a private elementary or high school, loss of employment, or a “bad year” for personal businesses, may help you adjust your FAFSA. You will need to provide proof to the school so they can process this “Reconsideration”.
Don't feel pressured to commit early! Most deposits are non-refundable, and many schools will even offer you additional money or perks for committing if they think they might lose you to another school. Wait until as close to the deadline as possible!
What Am I Looking For?
What Am I Looking For?
Many parent have questions like "What should I be expecting?" Here are some pointers:
Visit classrooms to review the technology available.
Remember that you are paying for college! You are the customer! As a result, you want to give your child as many advantages as possible. Having up-to-date technology in the classroom means state-of-the-art learning for your child to become familiar with.
Check the schools' facilities relevant to your child’s career desires.
If your child desires to be in the medical professional, make sure you visit the school labs. You also may want to see what types of classrooms are available for your child in popular majors such as business.
Meet with the administration and staff members.
Most schools offer tours during of their campus. Request to see the deans’ offices or attend a meet and greet. These individuals will be working with your child for many years! It pays to get to know them, and get a feel for their character before you commit.
If you have an issue before you make a commitment, you will most likely have more issues to follow! Be wary of rude or unpleasant interactions, or less than knowledgeable staff. The schools are putting forth their best to impress you, so if you have a bad interaction now, there may be more to follow down the road!
Visit campus medical centers or disability offices, if applicable. You want to see the type of care available for your child!
Get a feel for the campus climate.
Make sure that you have the opportunity to explore campus diversity and programming.
Try to see the whole campus. It should be a place that you can take pride in for years to come.
If your child is thinking of living on campus, you want to be comfortable with the dormitories on campus.
Observe the class setups and check for the size of the campus!
See how comfortable your child is with regards to the campus size. Sometimes a very large campus can be overwhelming. You want to find the right size of campus for your child.
You do not want your child to be just another number. You still want your child to receive individualized attention.
You also do not want campus life to be boring or lack extra-curricular activities!
What Are People Saying About That School?
What Are People Saying About That School?
Search for colleges online on available websites! Website like niche.com or college ranking websites can help shed light on school performance.
Review a school's safety records! Universities and colleges are required to publish their safety records.
You can review any drug/alcohol related issues or crime. Use this information to ensure that you find a safe that is school for your child.
Review the school’s graduation rate. Rates are often published online and are easily found with a Google search. You want to see how successful other students from this school have been - it will give you an idea on how your child might be doing in the future.
Job placement rates are also available!
Visit the cafeteria! You want to see what you are paying for!
Make sure that your child’s dietary needs will be met at this campus, especially those whose children have allergies.
What Major Should My Child Pick?
What Major Should My Child Pick?
Many families feel scared about their child choosing the wrong major. Sometimes committing to a major too early may mean more years in college and more time/money. Take the time to have the discussion now.
Make sure you talk to your child about what career opportunities they would like for their future. You want to make sure that your school has the programs and resources available for your child to thrive.
Keep an open mind. Some children are better suited for trade school – and that is OK! We still should value those careers and show support for them! Some trade jobs pay incredibly well!
Places of business desire well-rounded students. Try to look into majors that may help your child in the job market in the future.
It's OK to be undecided! You do not have to go into college with a major in mind. Take your core classes (classes that all students have to take no matter the major) and use the first semester to see if your child is interested in anything specific. Have them visit major-themed clubs or career fairs to help make a decision.
What Is Nearby The School?
What Is Nearby The School?
The university is not just the campus, it is also the surrounding neighborhood.
Take photos to help remember what you saw! You don't want to mix up what you see at each school! Scrap-booking the trips could also be a fun bonding experience!
Do not just visit the campus, also visit the nearby neighborhoods! Make sure that the campus is safe for your child, and that there are plenty of resources available for your child if needed.
Supermarkets, bookstores, gyms, or other facilities are helpful to have nearby, especially if your child is thinking about living on campus.
What Extra-Curricular Activities Are Available?
What Extra-Curricular Activities Are Available?
Get your child involved! Participation will help keep them motivated and will help in the future.
Review Greek-life choices or types of organizations available. Certain ethnic, religious, or cultural organizations may help your student feel more comfortable on campus.
Extra-curricular programs can lead to networking opportunities, possible internships, or even jobs in the future!
Opportunities for community service will be very helpful for a future resume!
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