Help your student think through the size factor critically by asking these questions:
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 |
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 |
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.
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.
Talking about these topics can help you make a list of questions to ask when you're touring housing options on campus.
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.
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.
Build your own checklist or list of questions, keeping in mind the following: