<p>Their guess is probably as good as their parents’.</p>
<p>My two had no trouble picking schools that turned out just fine for them. In the initial stages of their searches, both were interested in colleges that might not have been as good a fit (for example, my son, who hoped to major in computer science but probably would have wanted to switch to a liberal arts major rather than another technical field if that did not work out, wanted to apply to some technical schools). However, in the end, both applied to schools that were good fits for them (comprehensive universities for my son), and they did well in the places where they ended up.</p>
<p>My feeling is that it depends upon the child involved. Some are highly-perceptive, mature, and aware of their own strengths and weaknesses. These children will probably have an easier time choosing the best college for themselves.</p>
<p>However, other children (like my own) are less sophisticated in this area and can easily become mesmerized by the glossy brochures, big-name sports teams, and social opportunities. These kids require more guidance.</p>
<p>For example, my son does very well in classes when he feels a connection with the teacher. I feel that he would easily become lost in a large university where class sizes are in the 100’s. For that reason, I steered him toward applying to smaller schools which are known for their close student/faculty interaction.</p>
<p>Luckily, he agrees with me and has applied to several small LAC’s. If he chose to attend a large university, I think I would allow that, with the caveat that if he did not perform well there, he would need to transfer out.</p>
<p>One constant is the personality of your S or D. If your student goes to office hours and there are 20 other kids constantly there trying to get noticed by the prof what might your student do? If the school has many, many kids as bright as your student and there is competiton for a research spot will your student be outspoken enough to be heard and move to the front of the pack?</p>
<p>Grades and desire are often not enough in tough competiton. Hoping your student might gain these skills while in a competitive program is great but what is the reality? What opportunities will they miss as they are trying to learn how to get noticed in a sea of outstanding candidates.</p>
<p>^The fact is that opportunities are absolutely everywhere. Another fact is that many will pass by these opportunites, while others will grab them and use to their great advantage. This is NOT my comment, this is comment of my D., who gradutead from state UG last spring. She chose to go to UG that after extensive research and many visits appeared to fit her perfectly. That was proven to be correct. She went there after graduating #1 from private prep. school that usually sends few top kids to Ivy’s and other very selective schools. Ranking was not considered at all, not even checked during D’s decision making. In fact she did not apply to any Ivy’s/Elite, mentionning that she was accepted there was not important for any of us. She was successful at getting into her next desitnation - Med. School. She had great choices of Med. Schools that she was accdepted to and considered rankings but did not choose the highest ranked that she was accepted. Again, “fit” factor was the most important for her. It is way to early to see if she made a correct choice. However, so far so good. And, yes, she is surrounded by classmates from Ivy’s and other Elite schools, including having few lawyers, Phd, Maters in Science in her class of 170. D. is not intimidated at all coming from state UG and being one of the youngest in her class. She feels that she is prepared just as well as others. Proves again that student determines her future, not the name of her UG.</p>