Getting Started

Choosing a college has never been easier -- or more complex -- for the 1.6 million students entering college. Easier because of the wide variety of research options available today. But the process is also more complex for the very same reason: Kids and parents have so many sources of information that it can seem overwhelming.

Here are four avenues of investigation to explore at first:

Your Child's Personality. As a parent, you are in a good position to help your child understand that each school is unique, and might appeal to particular aspects of your child's personality. The student without "the fire in the belly" to succeed probably won't enjoy an ultra-competitive university. And a child who revels in the great outdoors may find an urban campus confining. Conversations about your youngster's opinions and personality may help narrow the list of potential colleges quite a bit.

Brochures. Colleges will fill your mailbox with options. Taking a standardized test like the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) often triggers a deluge of mail.

Other sources of information include high school counselors and college resource books available at libraries and bookstores. Note: Don't rely solely on books or magazines, as the information may be out-of-date or simply wrong.

The Internet. Nearly all colleges and universities have Web sites that provide details about everything from faculty to applications, says Ken Hartman, director of admissions and guidance services for the College Board (sponsor of the Scholastic Aptitude Test, also known as the SAT) and author of The Internet Guide for College-Bound Students (College Board, 1998). The Internet can also put your child in touch with college students.

"Kids often use a grocery list of boring, uninformative questions when investigating a college," Hartman says. "Few 16- and 17-year-olds will approach a stranger on a campus tour and ask 'What were your SAT scores?' or 'How do you like your classes?' The Internet allows you to ask those questions more anonymously."

Someone interested in biology at a certain university, for example, could find the school's biology club home page, which would list biology major members. Pick a few and fire away: Did graduating friends get jobs or accepted into medical school? What about access to faculty?

Hired Help. If you're still not confident about the college search, consider an option used by almost 2 percent of college freshmen last year -- hire a private consultant for $40 to $200 an hour to help your student match individual interests and academic background to a college.