<p>Our kids have not made this decision in the abstract, meaning, visiting, multiple times if necessary, is what helped them decide. </p>
<p>That said, the original choices of where to apply included criteria such as academics, location, and finances as much as possible. We paid no attention to stats, such as 4 year graduation rates or SAT’s, honestly.</p>
<p>We actually prefer visiting on a regular school day, though the accepted students’ days can be helpful. Doing things like sitting in the dining hall/cafeteria for awhile, reading student newspapers, sitting by a tree on the green and watching people, and visiting the college bookstore to look at books used in courses, helped the most.</p>
<p>Ultimately, it comes down to the vibe, and the kid’s visceral reaction to that vibe. He can ask himself, “Can I see myself here?” Focusing on ordinary activities seemed to help my kids imagine that: getting cornflakes in the morning, buying a book, hanging with friends on the green.</p>
<p>I know you chose for your other son, and he didn’t mind at all. It may be that this second son also would like you to choose. However, I really cannot imagine choosing for any of my kids (they would never allow it, and I even kept my opinions pretty quiet), and I kind of feel that if they aren’t up to making that kind of decision for themselves, maybe they aren’t ready to go.</p>
<p>However, I would hesitate to say that in an absolute sense, to you, since, with 3 very different kids myself, I feel that parents know their kids the best.</p>