Re: Parent questions about helping child choose college

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On 12/01/09, Mom to Three wrote:
> On 11/19/09, Mel wrote:
>> My daughter has early acceptance to the college, that is
>> her first choice. We are going to tour the campus next
>> week, and meet with the financial aid office. I have a lot
>> of questions in mind, but need to know if there are
>> specific questions I should ask, or that my daughter should
>> ask.

In my opinion, the first questions should be related to what
degree programs are available in my son/daughter's area of
interest. Go and talk to the chair, students in the hallway, etc.
to get a feel for what is being taught and what learning
expectations are. If you child likes computers, for example, that
could be Computer Science (science degree), Computer Engineering
(engineering degree), Computer Information Systems (business
degree), graphic design (art degree).

THEN, if that looks acceptable, start asking the other questions.
Why look into financial aid, campus life, etc. if there is no
program that matches your child's interests.

If your child has no interests and wants to start undeclared, then
I strongly suggest you save your money and send them to a
community college. They will be taking the same General Education
classes at a fraction of the price. Then let the community college
let them choose a field and it is much easier to transfer into a
school than get accepted as a freshman (there are exceptions for
impacted programs).

Sadly today most college counselors recommend colleges based on
student GPA and SAT scores, not programs based on a child's
interests. You might have a brilliant child for whom the best
choice is a degree program at a state university. Another child
might find their desired program at a small private college.

I did the above for my daughters and they found programs they
loved, did well, and are still working in their fields of study.
They also stay in contact with a few of their professors.

Just my 2 cents after 20+ years in higher ed. and educating a few
kids.

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