I recently spoke with friends about their child’s college list and what they might have done differently. While there are many factors to consider, a few stand out as timeless lessons.
Here are five standout takeaways to guide the process:
1. Focus on strengths – Keep test scores, coursework, and grades in perspective. Lean into your child’s natural strengths — whether in math, science, or the humanities — and target schools that will build on those talents.
2. Consider time commitments – If your child is deeply involved in outside activities, think about whether they want to continue or explore new ones in college. Look for schools that align with their preferences.
3. Match interests to opportunities – With many students taking AP or dual-enrollment courses, they often have a sense of their academic passions early. Choose schools that offer depth in those areas.
4. Consider cost – There’s a saying: “It’s not where you go but what you do there that counts.” This holds true in most cases. Unless you’re pursuing a highly specialized degree available at only one institution, most schools offer similar majors and have capable career centers. Keep tuition, living expenses, and debt load in perspective.
5. Be ready for change – Admissions trends shift, and a student’s priorities may too. Keep the list diverse and adaptable through their process.
When your child is forming their college list, the return on investment (ROI) matters. A strong, well-thought-out list can save time, money, and stress — and open more doors.
When you and your child look back, you want them to be able to intentionally say: “I would have been happy at any school on my list.”
