The Parents’ Guide on How to Choose a College

As a parent, you’re a huge resource for your child during their biggest moments, and choosing a college is no different. You may feel stressed about the idea of your daughter or son going off to college, but with the right preparation, you can also feel much more confident and comfortable. Whether your child is staying close to home or going out of state to an entirely new environment, helping them navigate their choices can be reassuring and rewarding for both of you. In this guide, we'll provide ways that you can assist throughout this journey, as well as important factors you might want to consider throughout the decision-making process.

1. Evaluate Academic Opportunities

While your high school student may not yet know what they want to do, you’ll want to think about the career paths and academic opportunities available. Whether it’s courses and degree plans or the availability of extracurricular activities, here are some opportunities that could shape your child’s time at college:

Global Experiences: Check if the college has study abroad programs, and if so, their duration and location. Depending on your student’s degree, there may be chances for them to go abroad and immerse themselves in a new culture, language, and place. If your child has expressed interest in these types of learning opportunities, you’ll want to ensure that the schools you’re exploring offer them. 

Accelerated Programs: Many schools offer students the chance to combine bachelor’s & master’s degrees, double major, add a minor to their degree, or even graduate early. Talking to your child to create a rough outline of their academic and career goals can help you narrow down schools that offer what they’re interested in. 

‍Specialized Opportunities for High Achievers: Apart from the previously mentioned programs, many colleges also offer honors-level courses. These types of classes can help challenge your gifted student and provide more depth in their fields of study. 

Professional Development Opportunities: Hands-on experiences, such as co-op programs, internships, and volunteer opportunities, offer students a chance to apply their skills and knowledge in the real world. These are excellent ways for them to create a network within their chosen industry, which you and your child should consider as you decide.

2. Research Student Life and Resources

Since college will be like a second home, it's essential to take a close look at each institution's environment and student life. After all, a significant portion of their college experience will happen outside the classroom. Join your child for a campus tour to gather information on the following:

Clubs, Events, and Residential Life: There is a wide range of student-run activities on campuses. As your student explores the different opportunities, guide them toward finding the ones that truly interest them and would make their time in school more pleasant. For example, are there clubs related to academics, faith-based, community service, special interests, recreation, and culture? Investigate the presence of special events like movie nights, guest lectures, concerts, and comedy shows, which can also help your child make friends.

Living Arrangements: If your child is planning to live in a dorm, you’ll want to explore the options available on campus. Many campus maps provide an idea of where residence halls are located relative to other parts of campus and you can ask specific questions if you take a campus tour. You may want to check out information about how many students live on campus, whether they do so for all four years, and if your student may live in an apartment during some of their college years. You should also guide your student to identify their habits, schedules, and preferences, so they can find a roommate who best suits their personality and routine.

Athletics and Recreation: Staying active is an important part of helping your student build healthy habits and relieve stress. Many schools offer athletic programs, recreational activities, and gyms. When you tour the campus or check out the website, be sure to inquire about intramural and club sports, athletic centers, classes, and any other physical activities your child would participate in.

‍Dining Options and On-Site Services: As a parent, the thought of your child taking care of themselves alone at school can be a nerve-wracking thought, but it doesn’t have to be! Many on-campus dining centers offer healthy meals and even dietary accommodations like vegan or gluten-free menus. You can also look into the availability of essential on-campus services like an infirmary or clinic, pharmacy, counseling centers, or convenience shops. These resources can play a crucial role in ensuring students’ well-being and convenience while on campus, so it’s important to consider them as you make your college list.

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3. Location

Choosing an ideal college location is all about finding the right fit for your student and family, which looks different for everyone. Take characteristics into account like distance from home, climate, and the size of the town and school. Because location is one of the most important factors, deciding what you and your student are comfortable with may take a few conversations. It’s important to create a space where you’re both able to express your preferences and have an honest discussion. 

Location Setting and Transportation Accessibility: Explore together if the college is situated in an urban, suburban, or rural area. Each setting offers a unique lifestyle and atmosphere, so try to align it with specific preferences. Guide them to research their future transportation options to get home. Are there nearby airports, train stations, or other transportation means? Will they drive home? Knowing the accessibility of transportation can ease travel logistics for visits and breaks.

Off-Campus Activities: Explore what activities are available off-campus. Are there things to do and explore in the surrounding areas? Having a vibrant off-campus scene can contribute to a well-rounded college experience. Another aspect that might help ease your mind as a parent is whether or not other students from your community or your child’s friends are attending the school or a campus nearby.

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4. Financial Responsibility

Practical considerations, including finances, are crucial when choosing a college. As a parent, this is one of the areas where your guidance will be imperative. Providing your child with financial literacy can be an invaluable skill that gives both them and you peace of mind. 

Financial Planning: As a parent with more experience, you should offer insights into how to create a comprehensive budget covering tuition, housing, meals, and other expenses. Emphasize the importance of sticking to a financial plan throughout the college journey.

Scholarship and Aid Exploration: Actively seek scholarship opportunities, both merit-based and need-based, with your child. Investigate financial aid packages offered by the college, including grants, loans, and work-study programs. You can also guide them to explore part-time work and internship or co-op programs. Not only do they provide valuable work experience, but they can also contribute to your student’s financial stability during college.

Parental Contribution Discussion: Have an open conversation about the family’s contribution to college expenses. Clearly define the amount of financial support you can provide, taking into account any limitations or expectations. This ensures transparency and helps in matching financial plans with available resources.

5. Aligning With Spiritual Goals

Choosing a Christian college is more than just picking a school—it's a journey that involves reflection. As parents, your role in guiding this process is very important. Encouraging your child to seek God's guidance, having open conversations about faith, and creating a safe environment are only some of the ways to embrace this decision. Let’s explore some simple steps parents can take in nurturing spiritual aspects when choosing a Christian college:

Faith-Aligned Decision Making: Actively assist your child in making decisions that align with their goals in faith, values, and beliefs. Encourage them to consider opportunities that resonate with these values and beliefs. 

‍Mentorship and Spiritual Guidance: Help them prioritize colleges that provide mentorship and spiritual guidance. Discuss the availability of mentors or advisors who can support a student's faith journey during the college experience.

‍Cultivating a Supportive Environment: Provide practical guidance on cultivating a supportive environment that reinforces their faith goals. This could involve exploring colleges with specific programs, communities, or initiatives that contribute to the students’ spiritual growth and development. Mission trips, chapel, local church programs, and other religious activities are excellent ways to make friends and deepen their Biblical worldview.

6. Effective Teaching Methods

Consider the different teaching methods employed by each college. Discuss with your student whether they prefer hands-on learning, collaborative projects, or traditional lectures. Understanding these preferences can help fit their learning style into the educational journey.

Learning Support Services: Help explore tutoring programs, writing centers, and counseling services that can provide additional assistance when needed at each college. Make sure your child has a strong support system for academic success.

‍Class Sizes and Engagement: Class sizes and the level of student engagement are important factors to check before selecting the right college. Some students thrive in smaller, interactive settings, while others may prefer larger lectures. Finding an environment that suits their preferences can enhance the overall learning experience.

Conclusion:

When it comes to advice on how to choose a college, parents are the biggest contributors of support, wisdom, and understanding. By nurturing personal growth, trusting the decision-making process, aligning academic and personal values, creating a supportive environment, and creating financial responsibility, you can help your child make a choice that aligns with both their educational and personal aspirations. Encourage your family to view this decision-making process as an opportunity for growth and exploration.