Below, you can see how you've ranked college decision factors in order of importance.

Expand each question to view tips and resources for navigating these conversation topics with your student.

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 School Size (Rated {{university_size}} out of 5)

When navigating conversations about the sizes of the colleges and universities your student considers, remember school size can be associated with college stereotypes that may or may not be true. Not every large-population school has a rich campus life, and not every small college focuses on the liberal arts.

Help your student think through the size factor critically by asking these questions:

  • What about the size of this school appeals to you?
  • How do you feel about the school’s or program’s average class size?
  • Do you prefer lecture- or discussion-style classes?
  • What size dormitory building do you see yourself in your first year?
  • What career placement rates and professional connections does the school offer?

The University of Akron has an undergraduate population of 20,000 with an average classroom size of 23 students.

Learn More about UA →

Distance from Home (Rated {{distance_from_home}} out of 5)

What's the right distance from home for your student and your family? Talk through the pros and cons throughout the college search. Below is a list of factors to consider when discussing this topic with your student.

Out-of-State Factors In-State Factors
More opportunities to go outside of comfort zone Comfort of learning and growing in a familiar area
Greater independence with easier access to home when needed
Loss of any in-state grants or scholarships Access to any state grants and scholarships at state school tuition rates
Potential financial aid opportunities specific to out-of-state students, depending on the school* Closer proximity to any local scholarships received to assist with renewals and reporting on progress
Expansion of future professional network Ability to strengthen professional network close to home
Travel costs More affordable access to home
   

 

Admission Requirements (Rated {{admission_requirements}} out of 5)  

Admission requirements vary from school to school, so it's important to discuss this with your student early on in the college search process. Talk realistically together, and encourage your student in their interests. As they start weighing their options, your student may doubt themselves or invest all their hopes in one school. Remind them to pursue schools with a range of admissions requirements, including aspirational schools and schools they safely meet all requirements for—all of which should offer degree options that fit their interests.

When comparing multiple schools’ admission requirements, consider using and adapting this worksheet to your student’s needs. Additional fields might include merit-based scholarship requirements, honors program requirements, and early application deadlines. This worksheet can help your student fully understand their choices and build excitement around their realistic options.

  School 1     School 2      School 3      
GPA      
SAT      
ACT      
Essay Required?      
Program Name      
Program-Specific Requirements      
Application Deadline      
Estimated Response Date      

 

Programs and Majors Available (Rated {{specific_major}} out of 5 )

If your student already has specific career goals, show your support by encouraging their interests and helping them compare programs across schools.

Regardless of your student’s current interests, help them keep their options open by looking at the full range of majors and the academic approach a school offers. If interests change over time, being at a school that provides a well-rounded education and transferrable skills can ease that transition.

UA offers nearly 200 in-demand undergraduate majors to help students find the right fit.

Explore Undergraduate Majors →

Tuition and Costs (Rated {{college_expenses}} out of 5) 

When considering your student’s options, remind yourself and your student that the tuition and costs each school lists are often off-set by financial aid from the federal and state governments, and even the school itself. Help your student remain realistic about your total budget, and know that you’ll need to wait to receive a personalized financial package from each school your student is accepted to before fully understanding the total costs.

Setting budget expectations early can ease the decision-making process when you and your student do receive all the information you need. Start talking through financial details with your student to help both of you brainstorm the financial questions you need answered.

UA Tuition & Fees →

Financial Aid (Rated {{financial_aid}} out of 5)

It's important to understand financial aid and scholarships when considering the cost of any school. Federal aid, state aid, and school-specific scholarships can drastically influence the total cost of your student’s education, as can paid internship opportunities, books and supplies, and living costs. Remember to factor in all of the details when considering the total cost, and explore the UA family guide to making college affordable, which takes a simplified approach to introducing all your financial aid options.

7 Steps to Applying for Financial Aid →

Housing Options (Rated {{housing}} out of 5)

Above all, your student should feel safe and connected in their college housing. Find out what else your student may be looking for by asking these questions:

  • How do you envision your first residence hall or apartment?
  • How do you feel about having a roommate?
  • What are you most excited and/or anxious about when you think about moving into a new space?

Talking about these topics can help you make a list of questions to ask when you're touring housing options on campus.

Find Your Housing Fit at UA →

Campus Facilities (Rated {{facilities}} out of 5)

Is your student seriously considering a highly technical or research-based program? Are they most excited about the community they will build at college? Are they looking for a specific classroom experience?

Knowing these details about your student’s interests can help you guide them toward schools and programs that offer what they’re looking for. Help your student learn the importance of cutting-edge labs, community spaces, and learning environments by requesting to visit these spaces during your campus tour. 

If they matter to your student, the labs, classrooms, or community spaces could be the deciding factor between two schools with similar programs and financial packages; don’t underestimate the power of the facilities your student will be using every day.

Research Facilities & Opportunities at UA →

Campus Activities (Rated {{campus_activities}} out of 5) 

While academics should take precedence over extracurriculars, campus activities are often where students build life-long relationships that help them succeed through college, their career, and personal challenges.

Consider your student’s current extracurriculars, and talk through which activities matter to them most, or how they envision their life evolving in college. Help them consider each school's campus life by inquiring about the student organizations available and the general campus culture. Encourage your student to talk with current college freshmen and sophomores about their involvement in areas of shared interest. This will help them see the specifics behind a school's campus life statements and picture where they’d thrive best.

At UA, students can pursue their extracurricular interests through 300+ student organizations.

Campus Life at UA →

Campus Visit Experience (Rated {{campus_visit}} out of 5)

Encourage your student to prepare for any campus visits you may attend. Whether they’re excited or hesitant, having a checklist can help you each stay on top of what’s important during the whirlwind of a tour, interview, or overnight experience.

Build your own checklist or list of questions, keeping in mind the following:

  • Campus life questions for conversations with current students
  • Academic program questions for meetings with professors
  • General decision-making questions for admissions advisors
  • Financial questions for financial aid advisors
  • Residence hall features and questions
  • Dining hall features and questions
  • Campus characteristics and general impressions
  • Follow-up questions

The purpose of your campus visit can drastically change your perception and experience. At UA, you can experience a traditional campus visit day, info session, campus tour, or personal meeting.

UA Visit Days & Campus Tours →

Ready to start the conversation? 

Send this survey to your student and compare the order of your results.

Explore more resources to help guide your student’s college decision and experience.