Students have an interesting way of determining which college they want to attend. Oftentimes, it is based on a relative's or teacher’s alma mater, a school with a popular sports team or a brochure received in the mail.

Whatever the reason, it's important that the student and parent conduct a college visit together so that the choice is based on firsthand information. Definitely, visit colleges before your student reaches 12th grade.

I suggest starting the college visit during the end of the 10th grade year. This helps to motivate students to start thinking seriously about college and possible majors. College visits are important for the parent as well as the student.

Students may consider colleges that were on the bottom of the list once they visit and talk with current students. Parents need to visit along with the student to see the college from a parental perspective.

Before the visit, get as much information as possible from the school’s Web site, and try to talk with current and former students. Make sure to call the college and schedule a tour instead of just showing up on campus. A tour will allow your visit to be more focused and informative.

If your child is a junior or senior, try to attend the college’s open house event, normally held in the fall. Colleges offer more information during this time, and you will get to meet and talk with other students and parents who are interested in attending the same school. In addition, there will be representatives there from various departments within the college, which will allow you to ask questions.

If your child knows what his or her major will be, make an appointment to visit that particular department during your visit. You should have a list of prepared questions prior to your visit. You can visit our Web site for a list of questions to ask during a college visit.

You want to have as many questions answered as possible so that you can justly compare all the colleges you are considering. Your child will be more interested in student life, food and campus activities. As a parent, you are probably more concerned about your child’s safety, tuition and financial aid. Asking as many questions as possible helps you both to have enough information to make a well-informed decision.

Make your college visit enjoyable by having lunch on campus or at a nearby restaurant. And don’t forget to visit the bookstore and student activity center.

Check out the community around the college. This will be your child’s home for perhaps four years (if not more), so you want to make sure you know the community. In large college communities, most everything is accessible, including grocery stores, restaurants, and recreational activities. On smaller campuses, you want to make sure you are aware of potential needs and challenges.

For instance, my daughters attended schools in large cities, so they had access to free public transportation within the city and surrounding areas. This was important since neither had a car the first few years of college.

Make your college visit an informative and enjoyable day. There's a lot to consider when choosing a college, and you want to make the best choice possible.

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Macie Caldwell is owner of Macie Caldwell Consulting Services (www.maciecaldwell.org), which provides information, tools and resources to parents, students and organizations to assist in preparing students early for college.

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