Finding a college can be daunting for a high school student. Let's face it - most of us didn't have a clue of exactly what we wanted to be doing (or what we would actually end up doing) 10 years after high school. So, decisions like this can be overwhelming if a student has the wrong mindset.
Students should look as their college choice and major as a process and journey, not as a one-time choice. Your student should start by thinking about the region he or she wants to attend school. Some students want to stay close to home. Some want to get as far away as possible. Some students want to attend their parent's alma mater. Attending a prestigious college is most important for others. It's a great idea to write down the factors that are important to you and even categorize them according to your highest priorities. Use this list to evaluate the colleges you look at online and ultimately visit.
Search for colleges and universities with majors that your student is considering. (More on choosing a major later.). Most colleges have extensive websites with valuable admissions information, online tours,financial aid information, etc.
Use the website to narrow your student's options and then go visit those colleges. Never let your student decide on attending a college or university without having visited the campus!!!
Obviously, starting this process in the student's sophomore year will give you more time to explore, but it's not too late even for those students who have graduated. Colleges are always recruiting studets. Also, sometimes it's smart to start with a local community college to get core courses, with the plan of transferring later.
Students should look as their college choice and major as a process and journey, not as a one-time choice. Your student should start by thinking about the region he or she wants to attend school. Some students want to stay close to home. Some want to get as far away as possible. Some students want to attend their parent's alma mater. Attending a prestigious college is most important for others. It's a great idea to write down the factors that are important to you and even categorize them according to your highest priorities. Use this list to evaluate the colleges you look at online and ultimately visit.
Search for colleges and universities with majors that your student is considering. (More on choosing a major later.). Most colleges have extensive websites with valuable admissions information, online tours,financial aid information, etc.
Use the website to narrow your student's options and then go visit those colleges. Never let your student decide on attending a college or university without having visited the campus!!!
Obviously, starting this process in the student's sophomore year will give you more time to explore, but it's not too late even for those students who have graduated. Colleges are always recruiting studets. Also, sometimes it's smart to start with a local community college to get core courses, with the plan of transferring later.