The Three Factors To Consider In Choosing A College

In a recent post, I discussed the process of college and applying for college. I'd like to discuss the topic a little more with the approach of how the process your kid goes through may benefit you as well. 

As the school year progresses, considering what your senior or junior in high school will do once the high school experience ends is vital for transitioning to adulthood. 

We always say that what a kid decides to do is the most critical decision of their life, but what does that really mean?

The truth is that the decision a 17 or 18-year-old makes isn't the most crucial decision of their life because it guarantees success. 

Instead, it's an important decision because they can begin to set out on a path for the first time in their lives. Since kindergarten, think about it, except their lives are programmed for them in some minor ways. They attend classes and get some small decision-making with an elective or two. They may join a sports team, band, or theater, perhaps babysit or get a job. 

As I discussed previously, applying to colleges is a process that is mind-numbing and critical for acceptance. As a reminder, there are different stages of the college application and acceptance process. 

There are early decisions, early action, regular admission, athletic admission, and rolling admission. 

Although I'm not going to go into each of these in this article, I'd recommend re-reading my post on college applications and options if you want to review each. 

There are a few guidelines that you should ask yourself and your child during this time to help guide them in their decision. 

In general, there are three areas that you want to examine while determining the right school. 

1. Academics

First, ask, is the academic setting the right one for your goals? For example, while it would be nice to have an ivy league education, is it appropriate for your educational needs and financial situation? 

Additionally, some schools have a degree program that may be more or less suitable for your educational interests. For example, you may have interest in pre-med or specific school psychology programs that interest you. 

Some schools specialize in STEM, or science, technology, engineering, and mathematics which may not be a suitable academic environment for someone looking to study sociology. Other schools may be more liberal arts, giving students a well-rounded educational opportunity without a specific major requirement. 

Other things to consider are the class size, size of the student body, alumni networking opportunities, to name a few. 

Doing some research prior to applying will help you determine if the school is the right fit for your student and family.

2. Social

Of course, for most kids wasting time with friends is a big part of college. But there's a skill that comes from all the wasted time, you're learning how to prioritize your responsibilities with what you want to do. It's realizing that life-balance skill that will become the cornerstone of their adult life.

That said, the social aspect of college isn't just finding the right party school. Instead, it's deciding on the type of school that fits you as a person. For example, some people enjoy small, intimate settings far from home, while others may choose to live off-campus and commute to classes. Whatever is the choice, understanding what it will require for your child to live in the area, be happy, and graduate from school is the biggest aspect in this category. 

Remember, choosing the right school is an essential part of your child's life because they get to begin to map out their journey through adulthood for the first time. 

3. Extra-Curricular

The two most important factors that you should help your child realize about their school choice are the academic and social aspects. However, there is a third aspect to consider, and if you can find a school with all three in alignment with goals and interests, the decision should be easy.

For example, going to school and relaxing with friends is only part of the college experience. What your kid does outside of those two things, whether it's pickup sports, music lessons, theater participation, surfing, or what-have-you, should factor into the decision-making process.  

By asking the right questions about each of these three factors, you can help guide your child's decision-making process and help them see the best platform for their enrichment and professional development through the decision they make.