Lesson 3: Selecting a College - Part II
Here we'll discuss some of the "other" factors which can make your college selection the best or worst decision of your life. The ratio of males to females, the religious mix, the distance from home, scholastic and athletic opportunities - all of these play a role in adapting and thriving in a college atmosphere.
More Considerations for a Happy Freshman & Contented Parents
Males & Females
Will your son be overwhelmed by a ratio of 6 girls to one guy on campus? This inequity can either bolster his social life or destroy his study habits. In a like manner, if your daughter chooses a major which is predominantly male, will she constantly battle to be “better than the boys” or will she shrink into the background?
Dormitories are often co-ed these days. That might mean men on one floor; women on another. Often, it is segregated by room alone. Two girls live next to two boys and so on. The bathrooms and showers are designated male or female. Even if your family includes brothers and sisters co-existing, it is an entirely new situation when the next-door neighbor is the opposite sex. Walking to the showers in mixed company may not faze one child. Will your daughter be mortified if anyone sees her without makeup? Will your son remember to bring pants with him or walk around in his boxer shorts? Most freshman adjust quite well to co-ed dorms, be it by room, floor or building. It should be a factor to consider.
Religious Beliefs
Is it important to your child and/or your family to receive his/her education in an atmosphere based on your religious beliefs? There are many schools under the auspices of specific religions. Most, however, do accept students of different denominations. In general, the schools affiliated with a specific religion are smaller, offer religious instruction (sometimes required) and have more stringent policies regarding dorm life.
Rules & Regulations
This is where family values and student maturity/attitude come into play. Some schools have strict regulations about study time required, limitations on dorm room visitation, and requirements for attendance at religious services. Most colleges treat your child as an adult with all the responsibilities and privileges accorded. I have always thought that your child’s value system is established fairly early in life. If your teen has not been too troublesome in the elementary and high school years, chances are he can handle the freedom of college.
Please don’t be naïve enough to think that there won’t be some mishaps and some experimentation. Think back to your own teen years and college experiences if applicable. The platitude most offered about college life is that if your child can survive freshman year, the rest will be fairly smooth sailing. Of course, “survive” is the operative word. Once they settle in, the students must realize that even if mom is not there to monitor bedtimes or act as a backup for the alarm clock, there are still ramifications for their behavior. You know your child. If s/he needs extra supervision, then look for a school with strict rules. But then again, if your child doesn’t like to follow the rules and marches to the beat in his head, will too many rules put him over the edge?
