My son is now a junior in high school. You know what that means — it’s time to start thinking about college. I’m overwhelmed, plain and simple. My son even knows what he is going into, and I’m still frazzled. It’s a daunting task and one I’d love to find reason to avoid, but my son needs my assistance and support with his search.
I’ve learned that a good place to start is with other parents and students who have already gone through the process. There is a plethora of information on the Internet, so one can easily get more confused. Find out the sources others deemed most beneficial.
Put it in perspective
Your teen’s search should be an exciting and gratifying experience, so don’t put too much pressure on him.
“When parents cannot control their anxiety, the college search process becomes miserable for everyone,” says Bruce G. Hammond, coauthor of “Fiske Guide to Getting into the Right College” and “Fiske What to Do When for College” (Sourcebooks, Inc. 2007). “Parents must remember that attending a particular college will not make or break a young person’s future. A young person’s life trajectory will have much more to do with what happens after they get to college than with which one they attend.”
Narrow it down
Many believe that narrowing down your choices by location is a necessary first step. Does your teen want to be close to home or does he want to experience life someplace else? Will he want to be part of a large school community or a small one? Does he prefer a serene, rural environment or an urban lifestyle? You’d be surprised how much you can narrow your choices just on location alone.
Next, find the right academic fit. Many websites provide you with various search options, such as specific majors. If your teen is unsure of his course of study, look at schools with a variety of choices in majors, rather than colleges that specialize in a few areas. Don’t get stuck in cyberspace, either. Consult a variety of sources — counselors, teachers, alumni, and guides.
Financial restrictions
Don’t automatically disregard colleges which you deem “unaffordable” at first glance. For instance, you might consider a community college for the first two years. Successful community college graduates are often offered scholarships for their next two years at some universities.
As you look into financial aid, don’t forget to pursue merit scholarships.
“The vast majority of money for college comes via the institution where the student chooses to enroll,” Hammond explains. “Colleges use scholarships to offer discounts to students they are particularly interested in. Students should keep in mind their odds of getting a scholarship are best when they are at or near the top of the applicant pool.”
Make the most visits
Try to narrow down the list to about seven to 10 colleges. Be sure to include colleges where acceptance seems certain. Campus visits are the next step. You might find that your teen just doesn’t like the vibe at a particular school, but this is what the college visit is all about! Talk to students on campus and ask them what they like most (and least) about the school.
“Students should take a comparative approach to college visits,” advises Hammond. “Identify a few important criteria, and look for the same things at each place. Record your impressions soon after you leave.”
The college search can be tough, but following these steps can make it a lot easier.
Tips and tales
“Students should close their eyes and picture an ideal college campus. Is it a large or small campus? Is it near a big city or in a small college town? If they know what they want to study, are there special opportunities offered?”
Marisa Merlino, Director of Guidance, Hyde Park Central District
“Search for information on high school websites under ‘Guidance’ — not just your local school’s website! Check out video tours on websites — try youniversitytv.com.”
Patty Johnson, Salt Point, NY
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Myrna Beth Haskell is a feature writer and columnist specializing in parenting issues and children’s development. She is the mother of two teenagers.
