Introduction to Economics

This subject is No. 1 or 2 on any list — and takes into account more than just the cost of tuition. There are many expenses to consider when choosing a college. Room and board. Gas and food expenses for those who are going to commute. The cost of living off campus (it’s safe to say that Columbia University in NYC is going to cost a little more than Albion). Perhaps the biggest cost of all is the bill you or your child will be left with after graduation.

Applied Statistics

When researching a college, look up statistics that can help support the claims schools of higher education like to make. For example: Claim — Schoolcraft is highly rated by graduates; Stats — Approximately 95 percent of their graduates recommend the school. Claim — Lawrence Tech is highly ranked in all aspects of technological fields; Stats — The school’s return on investment is No. 1 in southeast Michigan, and in the top 3 percent nationwide.

Geography Theory

Do you want your son or daughter coming home every weekend with a basket full of laundry? Do you want them home for dinner every night and commuting to school? Where your child’s college or university is located in relation to home is a very important factor, and something that should be near the top of the “consider this” list. A strong, independent, self-motivated child will do well at UCLA or Florida State, but one who’s more reserved, shy, or dependent might do better closer to home.

Health Sciences

Even during this challenging time of COVID, make your college visits. Every university has social distancing protocols — wear a mask, social distance — but go and visit the campuses. Lawrence Technological University and other colleges offer virtual visits, virtual tours, and even opportunities to attend classes online, but there’s nothing like stepping onto a college campus to really experience that school.

Psych 101

Don’t dismiss the emotional, or “feeling,” side of a decision. A lot of high school students give this answer as to why they picked a certain college: “It just felt like home to me.” There’s a certain feeling one gets when they step on a campus or meet someone from the school or talk to a few students at the college — and sometimes all these add up to a feeling of “Yeah, this is where I want to spend my next four years.”