The college search process can be overwhelming for students and parents. When should you start? What should you know heading in?
Lisa Slavin, Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Management at MassBay Community College, told necn it's important to get an early jump on things.
"What students and families should think about the most is the research," said Slavin. "Researching schools can start as early as 8th or 9th grade."
Slavin said students should start thinking about careers by sophomore year and figure out if that involves getting a certificate, associates degree, or bachelor's. Once you have some direction, it's time for an in-person visit.
"I encourage students in junior and senior year to just go on a campus unannounced," Slavin said. "Just walk around, get a feel. Are people eating in the cafeteria, hanging out, having fun? Can they see themselves on this campus?"
Next, you'll want to know the costs.
"I think unfortunately, students get really wrapped up in the glory and the fun part about the college app process," said Slavin. "It's a big investment and it's a lot of time."
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She suggests using a tool called a Net Price Calculator to get a sense of what costs are going to be and figure out if you can afford a particular school.
If that price tag is keeping you up at night, you might want to consider a community college.
"At less than $200 per credit, it's a great start financially," Slavin said. "And so students can actually start at the community college, save money, and take those credits here and transfer them to a 4-year college or university."
Many colleges in Massachusetts also offer a program called Dual Enrollment that allows high school students the chance to take courses on campus and earn college credit. Slavin said it's another great way to get a leg up and save on tuition down the road.
