It’s amazing that children—those who think a perfect day means sleeping until 2 PM, only to wake up and play video games or chat on Facebook for the rest of the day—are considered qualified to choose colleges for themselves. Really, they can barely pick out clothes suitable for public. Yet, you hear parents of these confused, hormonal, almost-adult individuals constantly referring to a college as “the one their child WANTS to attend.” The stone-cold truth is that when wondering what to consider when choosing an online college, such as UoP, or a campus-based university, like ASU, there is so much more to think about than just what a child wants. Aside from the parents who have pledged their life to their alma mater and feel strongly that their children should follow in those academic footsteps, choosing a college is a mix of understanding your choices and balancing them with your needs (and perhaps a little bit of your child’s wants).
Before we begin, let’s preface this with one fact: Parents should and must be the ultimate deciders when it comes to choosing a college! If your child wants to be a loud, proud Gator at the University of Florida but has barely scraped by in their senior year of high school, parents SHOULD and MUST take steps BEFORE simply writing the enormous check for a semester out of state.
The decision of what college to attend is a hard one. While your teen may feel strongly that they know what they want to do for the rest of their life, you have to ensure that you keep their options open. (Even when they don’t think it’s necessary.) Choosing the right college can help open doors for them. Consider that very few kids going off to college have any real-life experience, and gaining that insight is part of the collegiate experience.
Top Things to Consider When Choosing a College
So, what should you consider before choosing a college? Here are the top five things parents and students must discuss and investigate!
1. Academics
Of all the things to consider when choosing a college, this is perhaps the most important. Not every student is a straight-A student, and not all colleges are going to accept your bright, instrument-playing C student. This means if your child wants to become an engineer, they might not have the academic resume to get into the school of their dreams. And that’s okay! In fact, starting out with core classes at a local or community college to improve their high school academic record can be one of the smartest things your teen does. If they are disappointed about this, explain that they need to build academic credibility with you and the school of their choosing. This allows them to shoulder the responsibility of their academic success and may be the motivation they need.
Also, when it comes to academics, make sure that your child has access to a broad liberal arts curriculum. Why? Because it exposes them to so many different fields and helps them discover new opportunities that can lead them to clearly define their talents and professional goals.
2. Location
Location is also important and should come right after academics on the list of things to consider. Know your child. Will they perform well without your watchful eye? Are they ready to move away from home? Do they have the tools to succeed at this point in their life without mom or dad? Many college students aren’t ready to take the plunge and move away right after high school. This can be a motivating factor in keeping them home for their freshman year so they can gain some autonomy and earn your trust. Plus, each year they grow wiser and more mature—waiting one year before sending them cross-country isn’t going to be the end of the world.
3. Cost
Of course, cost is always a consideration. Yes, there are all sorts of student loans and financing options available. Yet, parents and students need to be realistic about college costs. If you cannot afford to send them to an out-of-state NCAA university or study abroad, then you cannot afford it. This is a good time to investigate scholarships, look into in-state schools, and give your child some financial goals. It’s often easier for transfer students to earn academic scholarships once they’ve proven themselves in college. You also have to consider not just tuition, but books, housing, meals, and extra fees. The truth is, you can find a college that is affordable. It might not be the one your child dreamt of, but unless they are willing to take on student loans, staying realistic is key. (And don’t forget to check with the campus administrators for financing options that may not be advertised through regular enrollment.)
4. Campus Atmosphere
Every college atmosphere is different. It is very important that parents and students take the time to visit campuses of the colleges they are interested in. Is the student body diverse? Do there seem to be supportive resources for your child once they’re there? The educational experience is much more than just attending classes and partying with friends. There’s a lot to be gained from experiencing the college atmosphere firsthand and seeing how well (or poorly) your child will fit in. Some kids do better in small, tight-knit environments, while others may thrive in larger facilities with huge student bodies. When you visit a college campus, make sure to check out the bulletin boards, peek at the cafeteria, and try to get a good feel for the attitude of the students. It may even be a good idea to talk to some of them to get their take on the college.
5. Reputation and Networking Potential
Lastly, reputation and networking potential are crucial. Obviously, holding a degree from a well-known university or specialty school will help open doors more quickly than one from a lesser-known community college. However, it’s important to check the school’s reputation, including the background and qualifications of the professors. The reason you send your child to college is to help them get a great job in a field they love while earning a living. A school’s reputation—even a small one—can make a difference in how potential employers view your child. Additionally, the networking opportunities available at a college can play a huge role in future career success. As we all learn at some point, knowing the right people can go a long way.
Secondary education is very important, whether you get your MBA degree online, go to college, university, or trade school—the key is furthering your knowledge. When parents and children work together to discuss options and opportunities, the decision-making process can be easier. Look for helpful resources in your child’s high school, meet with a graduation coach, and begin exploring colleges well before your child’s senior year. It’s true that your child may not know exactly what they want to be when they grow up, but providing an education is one of the most important things parents can do for their children.
