Location 101

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Where Does Your Child Want to Live and Learn?

Is your child drawn to the big city, to wilderness, or to a little of each? Does she want to stay in a familiar place, or branch out? The location of a college is often downplayed relative to the importance of academics. Let's face it, though. It can have a huge impact on your child's choice of a college and her experience there.

As a parent, you probably have your own feelings about what sort of environment you'd like your child to choose. You may have concerns about your child's safety on an urban campus, or about the remoteness of a small-town or suburban campus.

Perhaps you'd like your child to attend college close to home, but she's intent on experiencing living in a new part of the country. It's a good idea to talk about these expectations as a family early on in the process. You should also remember that campus visits are a good time to ask your own questions about location, safety, and campus life.

The Familiar vs. the Unknown

Consider how your child reacts to new situations and people. If she gets anxious or homesick for familiar diversions, she may not want to throw herself into a different environment. On the other hand, college is all about new experiences, whether your child seeks them or not. A change in locale can be one. For example, maybe your family lives in a large city but your child wants to try life in a small town.

Managing Expectations

Your child should learn what to expect from a college's setting before she goes and, better yet, before a final decision is made. For example, if your family lives in Los Angeles and your child goes to school in a rural area of Montana, she shouldn't be shocked when it's not possible get anything she wants, whenever she wants it. Similarly, if your family is from a small town in Montana and your child goes to school in Los Angeles, your child should realize that she may miss the big sky of your home state. To get the big picture, you and your child should visit campuses, talk to students, and read campus and local newspapers.

Your Child Has Options

If your child gets to campus and doesn't feel anchored to the school or its location, she is not stuck. Many schools offer an option to study abroad or off-campus for a semester or a year. Your child can also transfer to another college or program. Keep in mind, too, that a college's location is only one characteristic, however significant. Your child should factor in other things such as the kind of school, majors offered, financial aid available, and most importantly, the feel of the college. You and your child can use online College Search Tools to see which colleges match her preferences.