<p>We also practiced on good local universities and colleges; these can be fast day-trips. You get a feel for your family energy levels and the process itself. More important, you start to get an idea of what you will want to see or learn about at the real target schools. In our case, after the first few Info Sessions, we started skipping them. You can also get one of the big, fat books that describe hundreds of colleges- it’s a fast way to cover choices. After looking through those, the colleges’ own web sites are usually superior.</p>
<p>Your school may have Naviance, which will give perspective on which schools may match your D’s grades, and more. It also helps to have your child sit down with the guidance counselor early, to help shape directions. You can look at a sample of the Common App, online, in order to understand the info adcoms will see and weigh. Assuming your D has the grades, class rigor and test scores that would qualify for an Ivy or other highly competitive colleges, read their web info over and over. See what self-image they project because that has a lot to do with what sort of students they seek. Yale, eg, notes it wants future leaders.</p>
<p>Almost forgot- if your D is interested in particular colleges, look at the course catalogs to see the breadth and depth in her major, particular requirements, etc.</p>