Choosing a College That’s Right for Your Child
Your child is growing up. Graduating from high school and preparing for college is a huge milestone in her life. Choosing a college that’s right for her is an exciting yet stressful task. We hope that, with this guide full of information, we can make it easier for your child to make one of the most important decisions in her life!
The Budget
Start by determining how your child will pay for school. The cost of tuition is one of the biggest factors to consider, as you don’t want her to end up in debt. Funding her education can come from you, scholarships, grants, and loans. Discuss this before researching to help narrow down your options.
Her Choice
Parents should be a support system, but remember, this is your child’s choice. Don’t put pressure on her to pick a certain school, and don’t compare her to other children. It’s up to her to decide what she really wants to do. Give her a significant amount of time to decide what she wants to get out of her education, how far she’s willing to be from home, and what she requires in a school. Taking the time to think now will go a long way in the future. One of the best things you can do as a parent is to give her the confidence and independence she needs to make a good decision.
Plan Visits
Don’t rely on websites and the internet. The college visit is one of the most important components of choosing where students will go. It can get costly, so plan ahead to visit schools that meet all of your child’s criteria. When you’re on campus, don’t solely rely on the beauty and visual that the school provides. Be sure to come prepared with a list of questions to ask. Chat with faculty, staff, students, and tour guides to get an idea of what it’s like to attend the school.
Apply and Compare
Most colleges require an application fee, so it can get pricey to apply. We recommend your child submits five to 10 applications. Prioritize and categorize the schools into groups, such as cost-friendly or location-based. Because colleges are a sizable investment, compare financial aid offers as well. Remember to be positive!
For more than 50 years, the Catholic Diocese of Orlando, home of the best schools in Orlando, has been helping children grow to their fullest potential and become leaders within their communities. We offer unique and dynamic learning environments that engage students and encourage them to become confident and responsible adults. To learn more about what makes us different, contact us today.