7 Last Minute Tips on Choosing a College

Your student has been accepted to more than one college.  First, congratulations!   Then the, oh no…which college should my child choose? May 1st is National Decision Day, the day that seniors need to pick their college. Here are some quick tips on helping your senior choose which college to attend:

With your student, make a list of the pros and cons of each college, from school size to desired diversity to athletic programs.  Then each of you should rank each pro and con in order of importance to you. Compare what points you each find most critical and compare them to what each college in play really offers.

If you visited the college, a virtual visit will conjure up memories. Listen to what your intuition says.

Review any financial aid and scholarship offers. Consider which colleges will help your student reach their goals without getting you or your child into a financial hole.

Have your child research the professors and departments of his or her chosen major. Faculty and departments at a smaller school can be stronger and more prestigious for certain fields than ones at a larger ranked school. Some schools like M.I.T. have super strong programs for those interested in STEM but may not be right for someone interested in literature. If your child’s major is undecided, a larger university may be better as it could allow them to explore the widest variety of fields.