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Congratulations! If you are reading this, you probably already have a preliminary college list. So, what comes next? Research, research, more research…and a college visit.
Before you begin your research, construct a Word document, for the purposes of recording pertinent information about each school. The form should include the criteria that are most important to you. Headings might include:
From time to time, parents tell me that they are planning to visit colleges only after their teen gets accepted. While I understand that it is costly, as well as time consuming, when it comes to making a decision about whether or not to apply, there is nothing more important than a college visit. Why? Well, there are several reasons. One is all colleges tend to look the same in their glossy promotional materials, but they often look different in person. Two, students often have to write an essay addressing why they want to attend a college or university, and that is much easier if you have visited. And three, talking to current college students gives you valuable insight into student satisfaction.
How do parents fit in college visits and summer vacation? Why not combine the two? There are many states that have a ton of colleges and universities, as well as interesting activities to entertain the family. On the Today Show this morning, Katherine Cohen of Ivy Wise mentioned just a few cities to check out: Boston, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Denver, and Los Angeles.
Visiting colleges is one of the most important steps in the college identification process.
