College-bound students have no lack of options when it comes to exploring their next steps. Do they want to stay near home or move away for a prestigious experience or a change in scenery? If they currently attend Catholic school, do they want to continue pursuing a Catholic education in college? The college search process is about far more than academics. Finding the right college means identifying a place where your student will belong spiritually, socially, and personally. Here is a guide to helping your child find the perfect fit.
Start with Prayer and Reflection
Encourage your student to begin the college search with prayer, asking for wisdom and discernment. Reflect together on your student’s gifts, passions, and dreams, as these will guide the search toward a place where they can thrive. Taking time to reflect now will help narrow the search and ultimately make the decision easier and clearer.
Prioritize a Sense of Belonging
Campus visits, student testimonials, and alumni stories can give valuable insight into a college’s culture. Look for schools that foster a supportive and inclusive community. What this looks like may depend on your child and their goals for the future. On campus tours, ask your child if they feel like they could imagine this place as their home. For the next four years or so, it will be.
Investigate Extracurricular Programs
Extracurricular programs enrich the college experience and help students find friends with similar interests. College can be isolating at times, especially in larger schools with auditorium classrooms, so these programs are invaluable for students. Explore the opportunities at each school to ensure your student can continue to pursue their passions after high school. The better they feel about college life, the more likely they are to stick with the program and earn a degree.
Involve Your Student in the Process
Guide your student in searching for a college while empowering them to take ownership of the journey. Help them brainstorm what matters most. A few examples of common considerations include class sizes, distance from home, available majors, campus culture, and faith life. Encourage their questions and curiosity as you explore different colleges online and at college fairs.
Do Not Overlook Practical Considerations
Cost, scholarships, support services, and location matter. Discuss these factors openly, balancing dreams with practical realities, and use available resources at your high school and from colleges to make informed choices. In a perfect world, everyone would be able to attend their dream college, no matter the cost. However, your child may feel like they are compromising at first and end up finding a perfect fit.
At Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School, a prep school near Tampa, we know that college-bound students start thinking about their next steps as soon as they enter high school, if not sooner, and that the search can be overwhelming. We support students with individualized classroom instruction, extracurricular opportunities, and individualized college planning. Discover how we can set your student up for success by contacting us today.
