If a student has selected his or her major, many parents want their child to attend the best-ranked school in that major. What are your thoughts on that?

The most important factor in the college choice is the overall fit, not just the student’s choice of major. In many cases, the "best-ranked" college in a particular major can be intensely competitive to get into, and the program itself may be very challenging. If the student loves that level of competitiveness, it can be a great fit. If not, he or she is likely to be unhappy in the program.

It’s a good idea to consider how difficult it might be for the student to change majors later. Most students at least think about changing their major sometime during the four years of undergraduate education, and many will change their major two or three times. If the student selected the college because of that original major, he or she will struggle harder with the decision to change to a different field. College counselors often hear students say, "I hate my major, but I could never tell my parents I want to change. They have their hearts set on me being a doctor (or lawyer or CPA). Besides, I could have gone anywhere to major in English."

I tell parents to encourage their student to pursue that original choice of major, but also to discuss the possibility that the student might want to look at other options down the road. A question that students rarely ask – but parents can – is how students go about changing their major and whether a change is likely to result in more time to get that four-year degree. If students know that their parents are open to a change in major, the decision can be much easier.

Once the student starts college, what do parents wish they had considered during the application process?

When students (and their parents) are looking at colleges, the most important issues tend to be the schools’ academic reputation, affordability, and collegiate atmosphere. After the decision is made, parents worry about health and safety, and whether their student will have good friends and make good choices.

Based on the calls I receive from parents of freshmen, the biggest concerns are about their student walking home after night classes, security in the residence halls, the level of drinking and drugs on campus, and whether activities are planned to help new students meet one another. If parents don’t hear about these issues during college visits, they should be asking! Is there an escort service to accompany students who have evening classes or who study late at the library? What safeguards are there in the residence halls to prevent non-students from gaining access to students’ living spaces? What happens to underage students who are caught with alcohol or drugs? Are there "welcome week" activities that are likely to appeal to your student?

Finances can also create some surprises after students start college. It’s fairly common for parents to look at the cost for tuition and room and board. Many parents remember to check on the average cost for books, incidentals, and transportation – especially if airfare will be needed to bring the student home for holidays. But the many and various "fees" can come as a surprise. Many colleges now charge technology fees; some have a "university fee;" and there might be a transportation fee to pay for campus buses. Lab courses may require an additional course fee, and some might charge a standard "breakage fee." Participation in student activities may mean another fee. Incoming freshmen may have an orientation fee, and seniors might need to pay a graduation fee. Parents should ask in advance, "Based on the major my student has selected, and adding up all the fees and expenses, what’s the average cost for a freshman? How does that change for sophomores? Are there additional costs for upperclassmen when they get into their major?"

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