The search for colleges can be
very stressful. Parents can help in the decision-making process by planning
visits to campuses.
They can also help students
prepare questions to ask during the visits. Here are some suggestions:
What are the strongest
departments and most popular majors at the school?
What is the average class size?
Is it different for freshmen?
How do I compare academically
with students already attending the school? What kinds of cultural, athletic,
or literary activities are offered on campus?
What kind of housing is available?
How many students are members of fraternities and sororities?
What support services are
available to students? General counseling? Health care? Tutoring?
Are there any overseas or
exchange programs?
What percentage of students
receive financial aid?
Do you consider this a safe
campus?
What do most students do after
they graduate? What kind of student is generally happiest at this college?
Selecting a college that will provide
a good “fit” often rests on intangibles — a feeling students get when they walk
around the campus.
But answers to these questions
can help students narrow down whether a particular college might be right for
them.
