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Choosing a college
How to find a good fit
Q: My son has started getting letters from the colleges he applied to, and he's having a tough time deciding where he wants to go. How can he narrow down his choices?
A: If you can visit the two or three schools that are his top choices, I'd do that first, even if you've already toured them. Your son will get a better sense of whether the school feels like a good fit if he can visit some classes, stay overnight in the dorm and talk to students.
Also, a lot of kids feel they should choose the most prestigious school that accepted them. While that's understandable, they'll ultimately be happier at the school where they feel most comfortable. Remember, a good fit trumps prestige.
Finally, families do need to take finances into account. Look carefully at the financial aid packages the colleges are offering and talk honestly about what your family can afford.
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