Finding the right college for you or your child can be a daunting process. Luckily, you're not alone. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about starting your college search.

How do we begin the college search process?

The ideal way to begin the process is to schedule a meeting with your son or daughter’s guidance counselor by the end of sophomore year or the beginning of junior year at the latest. Counselors are experienced about the college search and can give you good advice that corresponds with the student’s specific interests regarding college choices.

Some high schools will also offer college information sessions which students and parents are encouraged to attend. These sessions often provide general guidelines for getting the college search process started.

How do we know what kind of college best fits our son or daughter?

The best way to find colleges that will be a great fit for your teen is to visit a number of different types of schools. Check out urban, suburban, and rural schools. Explore large universities and small colleges. The wider the spectrum, the more likely your teen will discover some colleges of interest. From our study we learned that 83% of students who visited six or more colleges were satisfied that they had made the best college choice.

Should I apply early to college?

If the student knows absolutely that he or she has found a college that feels like the perfect fit, then applying for early admissions can be the right move. It is, however, binding, so the student needs to be sure that the school is truly the best choice. It is also important to resist the temptation to apply early to ‘get it over with.’ Do not fall into that trap.

Will an athletic coach help me get into college?

Any coach, music conductor, drama professor, or specific academic professor may be able to help sway an admissions committee. But a student’s specific application, test scores, academic resume, and personal recommendations are generally much more important. Only students who are recruited by Division I schools can actually be guaranteed extra help by coaches in the admissions process.

How can I get scholarship aid?

Most scholarship aid is given to the students through a national financial screening application system termed FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid). The family must fill out that form which can be found on line after January 1st of each year. In today’s difficult economic times, it is also wise to be creative with scholarship applications. Be sure to fill out the FAFSA forms, but then explore other scholarship options your home state, town, or philanthropic organizations may offer.