Dear Friend,
Can it be March already? For those of you with seniors, April holds prospective student weekends. I would encourage you to make lists of all you want to discover about each campus ahead of time. During those few days at each college, our family all had different assignments. Mom and Dad split up and went to workshops, scoped out student common areas, and talked to anyone that would visit with us. Our student checked out the dorm, attended college classes, talked to current students, and asked questions of everyone. After the visit, we would compare notes and write down our thoughts before moving on to the next campus. Using a systematic approach really enabled us to get much more done and make better evaluations.
Blessings,
Jeannette
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Feature Article: The Campus Visit
Reading about prospective colleges is extremely helpful, but there is nothing like actually being there to get a true perspective. Here are some questions my family asked as we checked out each college:
Are there safety issues at this school? What is the neighborhood like around the campus? How many assaults occur yearly on campus? Is public transportation safe?
We found that students were much more honest about this than the administration. Another part of the safety issue is whether campus housing is guaranteed for 4 years. For schools that are surrounded by bad neighborhoods, this problem is magnified. Safety is an issue for any student, but particularly for females. Several schools that were options for my 6’2” weight-lifting son were not options for my willowy 5’6”daughter.
Each campus has its own specific culture. Look carefully to discover that on your trip.
Is there an anti-Christian feel on campus? How strong is the campus Christian group (Campus Crusade, Navigators, Intervarsity)? Are there solid churches within walking distance (for the student who does not have a car)? What kind of posters are up on bulletin boards and public places?
Be aware that campus newspapers always attract the far-left and the obnoxious, so don’t assume they represent the tone of the entire campus.
Are people pleasant? Are the dorms light and airy or filthy and oppressive? Are dorm suites or bathrooms co-ed? Are there many militant, combative activists around campus?
Apply to a Range of Schools
It is important that your student not set their heart on a single school, especially if it is a competitive school. Top schools can receive up to 30,000 applications for only 2,000 slots. For this reason, we must select a range of schools that they can be comfortable with - stretches, possibles, and safeties.
Don’t be Afraid of the Top
My experience has proven that Christian kids who are grounded and mature thrive in a top college environment. Students who are not mature start sliding fast at any college, including Christian. Unfortunately, many Christian schools are that in name only and, because students feel "safe" going there, find their faith undermined by professors they think they can trust.
Students should not make the critical college choice because of the name of the school (Harvard) or the label it has (Christian), but on the school that offers them the atmosphere and academics they want. It has to be the right fit for them. It doesn’t matter that it’s not the right fit for someone else. There are fine Christian schools and there are horrible elite schools. But the reverse is also true.
If you enjoyed this essay, check out Jeannette’s new book Called to Influence which contains this entire essay plus many more dealing preparing your children for college and the application process itself.
“How to Pick a College” was originally published in Practical Homeschooling, November/December 2008. Used by permission. Copyright 2008 Home Life, Inc.
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Resources: It’s Time to Think about Summer
It won’t be long until summer, so for those of you with younger students, it is time to begin thinking about the possibilities for your child. Are there opportunities to job shadow someone in a career that interests them? Can your student advance in a leadership position or create a leadership opportunity? Can they get work experience or start their own little business? Summer is the perfect time for your child to make discoveries about themselves. Don’t miss the opportunity!
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About Us
Jeannette Webb is the founder of Aiming Higher Consultants, a firm dedicated to helping Christian students gain admission to great colleges. She has a heart for assisting parents as they train their children for excellence. Jeannette works to empower families to make thoughtful choices for their younger children, to confidently navigate the difficult high school years, and then ace the college admissions process.
If you liked today’s issue, you’ll love her personalized consulting services that help you map out a holistic plan for your student.
While Jeannette is best known for her clear-sighted counseling, her clients feel that her biggest gift to their family was permission to be themselves.
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