The middle of April is here and students who have been accepted to college are weighing their options and finalizing their choice on or before college decision day. Since this is a life decision and a difficult choice for you and your student, these five tips can help you make that final college choice.
Revisit every college on the list
You can’t know if a college is a good fit without visiting it. Even if you’ve already visited before you were offered admission, revisiting brings a new perspective. Can you see yourself there? Do you fit in with the student body? Does it feel like your new home for the next four years? Revisit with these questions in mind. If you didn’t visit before you apply, this visit is crucial. Never choose a college sight unseen!
Take a hard look at the financial awards
For many students, it comes down to “showing the money”. Compare financial aid awards side by side and use them to weigh your decision. If a college offers admission but doesn’t back it up with financial aid, you should consider a college who did. Why? Because offering aid is a sign of how badly the college wants you to attend.
Determine what your deal-breakers are
Every student has those deal-breakers: Greek life, a specific major, a dorm amenity, location, alumni network and others. A college that doesn’t have that one item on the list, might not be the college for you.
Connect with current students and alumni again
If your student is still unsure, it might help to connect with current students and/or alumni. This group can provide an honest assessment of the college and campus life. Your student can ask questions of each group and will most likely receive an honest answer (one that isn’t on the tour or in the college brochure).
Listen, discuss and decide
Once you and your student have compared colleges, revisited campuses and looked at financial aid, it’s time to listen and discuss. Talk through the decision-making process and voice any concerns either of you might have. Remember–listening is key. Don’t force a college on your student if he’s “just not feeling it.” There’s usually a reason.
The May 1st deadline does put pressure on students to make a decision, especially if there is more than one college that is in the running. You can always use the old trick–flip a coin for heads or tails and whichever your student hopes it lands on that’s the college to choose!