With many options for choosing the right college, it can be a decision that students may need a little guidance with decision making. Universities such as USC, Columbia, and Havard, just to name a few, are some of the best in the US.
High school seniors have difficulty knowing which college they should attend if they have been admitted to multiple options. Lots of additional research and deliberation are usually required. The traditional decision day is May 1st, but in some cases, the college will push that deadline backward, giving students more time to make their decision. As the deadline is quickly approaching, here are some key ways parents can help their children decide on this new chapter of their life. If a student is going to buy into their college choice, they need to make that choice themselves.
Visit the campus
Lots of colleges will hold events where you can visit the campus. These events are usually for students admitted to the coming classes the following year. If you have a teen who hasn’t yet made a decision, they have another opportunity to experience life at the school and ask any remaining questions they have unanswered. They can gain vital information such as the situations surrounding apartments for rent near USC or what accommodation is like on campus. Many colleges also offer virtual tours and 360-degree videos showing you the entire scope of the location, which is great if you cannot visit the allocated dates. While a virtual tour doesn’t give you the complete feeling of life on campus, it is a great way to know what the grounds are like and what facilities are offered.
Compare financial aids
Going to college is a considerable investment, but families are often not required to pay the total price of the institution’s costs. A financial aid award letter showing the details of work-study options, loans, grants, and scholarships is sent to accepted students informing both the student and the parents of the net cost or the amount due after subtracting grants or scholarships. Award letters tend to show the price for a single year, but it is advised that you try to figure out the costs over a four-year period by asking questions such as how much tuition fees have been raised over recent years.
Figure out opportunities
Your teen has likely already spent a considerable amount of time looking at the type of academic offerings available from each college they have applied to, but many experts say that it is a good idea for families to do the same before their child makes their final decision on the college to attend. Parents can give extra aid to their children’s research and discover the length and breadth of the opportunities offered by a particular college. You can find the type of majors or minors that are offered, course selections, facility accessibility, research opportunities for undergraduates, and even any studying abroad programs that could be available.
Location
Location is a significant consideration when choosing a college. Some children may want to be a little closer to home, while others could want to be far away for an entirely new experience altogether. According to studies, it was found that most freshmen enrolling in public colleges chose a school 50 miles from their parent’s home. Whether they choose near or far, it is important that parents and students talk to one another about the pros and cons of the location of the college they are looking to attend before making a concrete decision.
Don’t Compare Your Children To Others
Getting into a good college is never about impressing your next-door neighbor. It may be easier said than done, but parents should never compare their children’s acceptance or rejection letters with those of their friends. If this is done, it can add a lot more stress to the students in this already life-changing moment. Each child is unique, so it is important to know that they will have different passions and interests. It is not a one glove fits all scenario.
Discuss affordability
After you have thoroughly discussed and reviewed the financial aid letters, it is crucial that families discuss any money-related implications that come with attending each school. Parents should be completely honest in these moments, detailing all that will go into the costs of college. In these moments, treat your child like an adult, make spreadsheets, and compare the costs of attending each college. A document like this should also include all the information on how much debt the family would have to take on for the teen to attend college. Experts say it is also essential to discuss the implications of having student loan debt.
Find The Right Fit
Finding the right fit includes many different factors, such as academics, campus culture, and extracurriculars, to name just a few. Students should select the kind of college they believe they can succeed in. The school’s brand or reputation should never be the only reason for attending; there are many other factors to consider. Parents should encourage their teens to approach the decision of each college in the same way. There are many tools available online that can help students with the decision of choosing the right college for them.
