College admissions expert Jeffrey Selingo wants kids and their parents to stop chasing a dream school. Here's what he suggests instead.
Briefly

College admissions expert Jeffrey Selingo wants kids and their parents to stop chasing a dream school. Here's what he suggests instead.
"Oftentimes, teens focus on one "dream school" - typically a well known college like an Ivy League or a Big 10. But I don't think the dream school exists. The real dream school is one where the student fits in; where they can thrive, and get a good return on their financial investment in education. Here's how you can help find the dream school for your specific student."
"Start talking about colleges sooner Families often start the college process midstream. They put names on a list because they've seen those branded colleges on social media or ESPN. They haven't really thought about why those schools might be good for them, personally. I recommend that families take a step back. Beginning in 10th grade, talk with your child about what they really want from college. What sort of setting? Environment? Classes? Financial aid? Figure out the answers before you start writing down any college names."
Begin college planning earlier, ideally around 10th grade, and identify what the student wants from college: setting, environment, classes, and financial aid. Avoid selecting schools based on brand recognition or social media visibility. Prioritize institutions where the student fits and can thrive, and where the education provides a good financial return. Use the extra time to take informal campus visits and let preferences evolve. Discuss family finances and potential aid early, rather than waiting until acceptance decisions. Slow, deliberate exploration produces a targeted list of colleges aligned with the student's goals and financial realities.
Read at Business Insider
Unable to calculate read time
[
|
]