By Dr. Stephen Jones
During the senior year parents
engage in the annual ritual and conversation about selecting a college. Today
college cost is frequently at the top of the list of issues that parent’s must
confront. Even today money should not be the only reason that you select a
college. Your student’s ability to live within the philosophy of a college can
make a big difference in their success. Sure colleges can put up an
advertisement and send you a mailing every week but there is nothing like
visiting a campus and talking to the faculty and students who’ve made a
commitment to a particular college. The truth is there are over 6,000 colleges
that a student can select from and all change in size and mission. Some colleges
are owned by their state, some private and others are community colleges.
There are eight rules that will help
you to select a college that fits your needs. These are some simple rules that
you can follow to reduce your stress. These practices will help you to make a
reasonable decision about the top colleges that your student selects Here are the 8
rules:
1. When you go on a college tour
always arrange a meeting with a faculty member and student.
2. Always talk to the financial aid
office after you've received their financial aid package.
3. Attend a classroom lecture to get
a sense of the class sizes.
4. Check out what students are
saying about the college on the internet.
5. Ask if advising is mandatory or
voluntary. Advisors can be a critical part of a student’s success.
6. Ask if their professors teach
classes or mostly teaching assistants.
7. Ask how many students from your
high school have attended the college. It could be a sign that your former
classmates really liked the college.
8. Take several friends with you and
go on a campus tour together. Sometimes it is good to get more than one
perspective on the college you are visiting.
It is never too early to start your college search process. Colleges are putting out all kinds of information every day. You can go on some college websites and download videos and podcasts about the college. Some colleges also offer website recordings of several aspects of their college. Some colleges even offer a virtual tour of their campus.
You should find ways to creatively
engage in conversations with their students and alumni. You want to know how
happy they are about their college experience. It’s even better when you can
talk with students who are in a particular major. They can share their success
and also talk about their challenges with their major. The beauty of a campus
is not the only thing to consider. You want your son/daughter to have an
enjoyable experience. Take the time to compare the colleges you have selected
and what they offer.
Another thing that you can do is pick
up a few books that the faculty has written. These writings will reveal their
opinions and thoughts. It is a great way to know if the faculty is keeping up
with current trends. Get started to day and you will have an easier time making
a college decision that you won’t regret.
Dr. Stephen Jones is a nationally recognized author
who has written the “Seven Secrets of How to Study, the Ultimate Scholarship
Guide and the “Parent’s Ultimate Education Guide.” Get these books for your home right
away. You can contact him at
610-842-3843 and at stephenjoness@rcn.com or visit http://www.DrJonesbooks.com
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