| Is your teenager having trouble narrowing down their | | | | again, a cramped dorm room might be the key to |
| list of potential colleges? Are they having trouble | | | | your teenager's social development. |
| finding the perfect school? Consider the advantages | | | | Both dorms and off campus housing have separate |
| and disadvantages of each college. Sit down with | | | | expenses. These costs, combined with tuition fees, |
| them, and make a list about the positive and | | | | books, and application costs make up the budgetary |
| negative features of each school. | | | | considerations. Don't forget the added cost of meals. |
| For example, are you looking for a school near home | | | | Financial aid is available if you know the deadlines and |
| or somewhere distant? Unless you live far from any | | | | have the proper forms. Many colleges offer part-time |
| major cities, there is probably a college within thirty | | | | employment to help offset the costs. |
| miles. Some of the highest ranked schools are in | | | | Also consider the availability of extracurricular |
| smaller cities. | | | | activities. What kind of clubs will interest your |
| What is your student's major, and is it offered at the | | | | teenager? If he's a star athlete, this will factor into |
| college? This is of primary concern, as some schools | | | | the decision. Especially if scholarships are involved, a |
| will not offer a major in your son or daughter's field. | | | | college athletic career is a highly rewarding |
| Also, check to see that the school is accredited. | | | | experience. Maybe your child is interested in joining a |
| Accreditation will ensure the credibility of your son or | | | | fraternity or sorority and bonding in this special way. |
| daughter's degree. | | | | College clubs are the best way to meet like-minded |
| When researching the academic credentials of a | | | | individuals who can be lifelong friends. |
| college, find out what the faculty-student ratio is. The | | | | There are also religious affiliations to think about. If |
| more time a teacher is able to dedicate to your | | | | your son or daughter is dedicated to a certain |
| student, the better. Find out the average class size. | | | | religion, they probably want to attend a college with |
| Is a large school what your teenager wants? They | | | | similar standards. On the other hand, if your daughter |
| offer more social opportunities, but small schools | | | | is not interested in religion at all, she probably won't |
| usually have better job placement programs. | | | | want to attend a strict Baptist school. Of course, you |
| Campus size and housing accommodations are key | | | | don't have to be involved with a specific religion to |
| points in choosing a college. A large campus with | | | | enjoy the benefits of a religious school. For example, |
| gorgeous scenery may be a plus for some, but for | | | | many non-Catholics attend Notre Dame. |
| others it means long walks and tardiness. Check out | | | | A long list of colleges can be whittled down with a |
| the housing opportunities. Does the prospective | | | | good question and answer session. Keep in mind all |
| college offer dorm living, or are students expected to | | | | the factors that are important to your child and, |
| live off campus? Dorm life has its charm, but less | | | | when in doubt, take a tour of the college and see |
| distractions are a good thing for certain children. Then | | | | for yourself. |