Choose with success
BY TRESA ERICKSON

After your teen has perused college catalogs and made a list of colleges that they would like to attend, encourage them to read about each of the colleges in depth and narrow their list to a select few. Ask them to write out a list of questions regarding each of the colleges remaining on their list, as well as a list of features the college must have in order for them to attend it, such as a fitness center, small classes, good labs, etc.

Once your teen has completed the preliminary work, make plans to visit each of the colleges left on their list with them. Try to choose a time when school is in session and arrange for your teen to spend a night in one of the dorms and attend a class. That way, they can see for themselves what dorm life is like and get a feel for college teaching. Remind your teen to take their list of questions and features with them and find a time during the visit when the two of you can sit down with a tour guide or some other college official and discuss those issues.

As you tour the campus, take pictures, make notes and get a list of on- and offcampus activities. Your teen can use these later as they compare each of the colleges they visited. After the official tour is over, do a little investigating of your own. Check out the library, stadium, computer labs and any other facilities you're interested in. Stop by the financial aid office and get some literature. Have lunch at the cafeteria and go shopping in the bookstore. Make sure that the college fits your teen.