Description of tip for starting the college search:
Narrow down the universe of possible schools by identifying characteristics that are important to your child and then further refine the list based on their academic record, interests, and skills. You may find that your child is unsure of how they feel about school size and location; try visiting schools of different sizes and locations to help your child develop a sense of what feels right to him or her.

Broad points of comparison that many students use to refine their list include:

School size: small (less than 1,000 to 2,500), medium (2,500-6,000) and large (7,000+)

Location: rural vs. town vs. small city vs. large city. How far from home feels comfortable to you and your child?

Affiliation: public, private, religious affiliation

Curriculum: liberal arts vs. professional or technical degree? What feels comfortable if you child isn? sure?

Philosophy: traditional vs. progressive, deeply scholarly vs. career oriented, comprehensive

Special programs: such as internships, junior year abroad or other exchange programs, cooperative programs, special support programs for students with learning disabilities?

Calendar: semester, trimester, quarter?

Costs and financial aid

Admissions criteria: does college publish average SAT/GPA scores or other admissions criteria for admitted students?

The finer points of comparison vary. Refer to the items you listed on your internal and external audit? Add them to your selection criteria. Some areas to consider are:

Social atmosphere/student body

Quality and accessibility of faculty

Housing/food

Extracurricular activities

Sports

Job placement services

You and your child should next determine which schools are realistic choices. College guidebooks generally include information regarding the average SAT/GPA needed for admission and details on size of recent applicant pools and percentage admitted. Your high school guidance office is also a resource to assist you in the identification of schools that fit your child? academic profile. Most school counselors recommend that you choose four schools that look likely, two ?reach? schools, and two safety schools.

Other comments or suggestions:
Narrow down the universe of possible schools by identifying characteristics that are important to your child and then further refine the list based on their academic record, interests, and skills. You may find that your child is unsure of how they feel about school size and location; try visiting schools of different sizes and locations to help your child develop a sense of what feels right to him or her.

Broad points of comparison that many students use to refine their list include:

School size: small (less than 1,000 to 2,500), medium (2,500-6,000) and large (7,000+)

Location: rural vs. town vs. small city vs. large city. How far from home feels comfortable to you and your child?

Affiliation: public, private, religious affiliation

Curriculum: liberal arts vs. professional or technical degree? What feels comfortable if you child isn? sure?

Philosophy: traditional vs. progressive, deeply scholarly vs. career oriented, comprehensive

Special programs: such as internships, junior year abroad or other exchange programs, cooperative programs, special support programs for students with learning disabilities?

Calendar: semester, trimester, quarter?

Costs and financial aid

Admissions criteria: does college publish average SAT/GPA scores or other admissions criteria for admitted students?

The finer points of comparison vary. Refer to the items you listed on your internal and external audit? Add them to your selection criteria. Some areas to consider are:

Social atmosphere/student body

Quality and accessibility of faculty

Housing/food

Extracurricular activities

Sports

Job placement services

You and your child should next determine which schools are realistic choices. College guidebooks generally include information regarding the average SAT/GPA needed for admission and details on size of recent applicant pools and percentage admitted. Your high school guidance office is also a resource to assist you in the identification of schools that fit your child? academic profile. Most school counselors recommend that you choose four schools that look likely, two ?reach? schools, and two safety schools.