Tips for finding the right college match

If you have a high school student just starting or already deep into the college search, you might wonder how best to steer them in the right direction. Selecting a college is certainly an important and multifaceted decision that will shape your student’s life. Here are six factors to consider as your student makes this important and very personal decision:  

Academic interests – Particularly for students with very specific fields of study in mind, it’s helpful to do some homework on schools that are strong in the academic areas that are of interest. A small liberal arts school with only one general business major might not be the best choice for a student interested in finance, just as an engineering-focused school probably isn’t a good pick for a student only mildly interested in the STEM disciplines.  

An array of options – Even students with seemingly certain career plans change their minds, so it’s helpful to think about the “plan b” should your student start out as a pre-medicine major and decide after a year that they aren’t suited for that field. Perhaps your student is still deciding what to study in college. In either scenario, look at colleges’ range of majors. Talk with your student about their first and second choices of a field of study, and be sure that colleges on the consideration list indeed offer both of those options.  

Size – Every person is different, and while some might prefer a larger college with ample academic options and opportunities for things like undergraduate research, others might feel more comfortable in a more intimate learning environment with fewer students and a lower student-teacher ratio. Encourage your student to think through the pros and cons of different sized schools.  

Location – Many students seek a new adventure when they go to college but remember that there are advantages and disadvantages of going far away for school. For each college under consideration, talk about logistics such as visiting home as well as whether your student will have any sort of support system (such as nearby family or other friends attending the school). Transitioning into college is an adjustment for every student. Some students might handle that change better than others.  

Campus life – While academics are most important, there’s no question that college is a transformative period in one’s life. Campus life and school culture play a big part in creating an overall positive experience.  Investigate whether a college does an annual survey of students about the campus life experience and look into freshman retention rates (students who re-enroll at a college after their first year). It’s also worthwhile to explore what types of social, athletic and other events take place regularly on campus, as well as nearby outdoor activities (beach or mountains, for example), the integration of the college into the town/community, the percentage of students who live on campus and similar factors.   

Clubs and organizations – A rich student life creates vibrancy on campus and offers students a way to get involved in their community, meet new friends and discover their passion. Check out what types of clubs and organizations are available at the colleges your student is considering. Greek organizations, intramural sports, student government, and other clubs and organizations—from musical groups to academic clubs—offer social, leadership and personal enrichment opportunities.  

Choosing a college is a big decision and one that your student should take seriously. That means weighing many different factors as your student compares the various schools on their list. Encourage your student to be thorough in their research, make a list of priorities and be honest with themselves throughout the process. With the guidance of you and the school’s college counselor, your student will undoubtedly discover their college match and establish a foundation for success for the next four years.