As your child has gotten older, you have likely tried to guide them in the right direction without overwhelming them with too much guidance. When it comes time to choose a college, spend some time thinking about your role. There are several ways you can help your child make the right decision without pressuring them too much.
Look at the Numbers
The cost of the school may be one of your top considerations when it comes time to pick a school. If it’s too expensive, your child may be saddled with student loans for a long time after graduation. Spend some time comparing costs and helping your child find the right fit. Think about the overall cost. This is tuition and fees, minus any scholarships or grants. One way of helping your child save is by cosigning on a student loan with them. When they have a cosigner, they could get lower rates, which can help them save money over the life of the loan. When you cosign, they are more likely to get approved in the first place.
Consider the Academics
Your child may have spent time researching academics before applying to a college, but there are ways college life has changed and now you will want to dive deeper into the full depth of what each college offers. If your child wants to study abroad, consider whether the school has that option. Look into any programs for motivated students, like honors programs. There may be research opportunities that pair students with employers in the area for internships. While there is no right or wrong combination of offerings, you will want something that allows your child to pursue their goals.
Investigate the Student Life
While academics and time management tips for studies are important, student life is also important. Your child will be living in the area, so have your child look into the student life offered by each school. They will spend a lot of time out of the classroom, so make sure the overall campus environment is a place your child would fit in. Have them research the residence halls, any available clubs, dining halls, and restaurants in the area. Your child may want to research the area as well to see what types of activities are available off campus.
Consider Revisiting Schools
While you may have been to all the schools already, revisiting some of the top picks and taking effective campus tours can help you make your decision. The first time you visited each campus only gave you a broad overview of the programs and academics offered, but visiting again gives your child a chance to explore programs more in depth. They may be able to eat the food, sit in a class, speak with professors, or explore the living facilities. You could visit during a college’s students' day, or you could go when they don’t have any special events. This can give you an opportunity to see what day to day life is really like on campus. Many times, colleges will be happy to schedule tours so you can see what things are like.