Choosing a college is often a tiring and difficult process for both prospective students and their parents. The years a person spends at their undergraduate institution can be a defining period of his or her life, so finding a college that fits is very important! Below are five things to consider when making this big decision.

1) Make sure the colleges have the student’s intended major.

This may seem like a no-brainer, but one of the major reasons for transferring to a new college is that the current institution does not have the major a student is interested in. While it is common for incoming first-year students to be undecided on a major, most have a general idea of a few majors they may be leaning towards. If the student has absolutely no idea which direction they’re headed, search for a school that offers a variety of majors, and/or an option to create one’s own major.

2) Remember that the student is the one who will be attending the school, not their parents.

Parents are a very important part of the college-searching process; they act as a sounding board for their child and often have experiences that make them more knowledgeable about searching for a school. They also tend to ask questions that the student is too shy to ask, or questions that may not occur to the student. However, even if every person on the family tree has gone to a specific institution, that doesn’t mean it’s right for the prospective student. Parents should remember to keep an open mind and be responsive to their child’s reactions to different schools.

3) More visits don’t necessarily mean a more thorough search.

When a student chooses to visit every institution in the country that meets a vague set of criteria, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they will have a more productive search. Begin online to narrow down options. Search websites for majors offered, extracurricular activities available, college and city size, and other statistical factors. That doesn’t necessarily mean a school has to be crossed off of the list if it fails to meet one of the expectations, but these factors should definitely be taken into consideration. For example, if a student knows that he or she wants to go to a small school, limit the search to small schools. If the student is unsure, plan visits to a small school and a larger school that meet other desirable criteria. Visiting every school on the list can be tiring, expensive, time-consuming, and overwhelming. Narrow the list, then begin the search.

4) Once the list is narrowed, do the homework.

When two or three schools have been selected as the top options, learn everything possible about those institutions. This means browsing the school’s website, Googling the school’s name, and scheduling a campus tour (preferably an overnight visit with a current student). As mentioned before the college-searching process is time-consuming, but it’s an important way to invest that time. If this tip is followed, the student will have a lot fewer surprises when they begin school. Starting a new life with new people at college is challenging enough- remove some of the mystery.

5) Ask questions, ask more questions, then call back and ask more questions.

How many people live in a dorm room? What are the housing options as an upperclassmen? What type of meal plans are available? How can I reach professors? What does an incoming student need to furnish their dorm? These are just a few questions that should be answered before a final decision is made. Admissions counselors and current students are usually very knowledgeable and are more than happy to answer questions ranging from the big picture to the most mundane detail. Don’t be shy… this is the chance to figure out what life is really like on campus and to take in the expertise of college veterans.

A good and thorough college-search is usually time consuming, but the process can vary from person to person. Each individual should take into account their personal interests as well as practical considerations such as cost and how far they will be living from home. The tips listed above are just a few of the considerations one should take note of during their college search. Though it can be a difficult choice to make, careful selection often leads to a fun and exciting new chapter of life.