Choosing the Right School

Grab the tissues, stifle back the tears, and celebrate this new chapter of your life: your baby is going off to college. Parents experience almost as much stress as their children do when choosing the right school, and it’s no wonder why: We have all heard the horror stories of awful roommates, nauseating food, and questionable social activities that would raise an eyebrow. We hear your concerns, and we would like to give you the information you need in order to make this time of your child’s life, and your own, an exciting and memorable one.

The first question many parents ask when looking for the right school is a simple one: What if my child feels like they don’t fit into this new environment? Unfortunately, the answer is not always that easy. Stephanie Santos, a sophomore at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, and a new intern at Boston Tutoring Services, had a very common experience when she started college.

“When I attended the University of Vermont last fall, I had high expectations,” Stephanie said. “I thought I was going to make lifetime friends and form bonds with my professors and classmates, but my experience was not nearly as rewarding as I first imagined. I wish I had done more research.”

Stephanie’s grievances with poor access to professors and advisors, as well as inadequate resources for job opportunities, are common problems students face their first year away. Ultimately, the goal is to make the most out of your child’s education (and your tuition dollars), and we have some resources to help you get it right the first time.

As a parent, your first call to action is to create a well-rounded and accurate school list. Here are some resources to cultivate an initial list for where you might like your child to apply:

College Search Selector
Tip Sheet: 8 Things Admissions Officers Wish You Knew About Applying to College
Tip Sheet: 5 Ways To Find Your College Fit

College admission consultants can help refine your list further and target your child’s perfect fit so you don’t end up like Stephanie. An admission consultant will support you and your child through the college admission process. From developing and finalizing a list of schools to which the student will apply, to perfecting their applications, an admission consultant will guide you every step of the way. Each of these steps will ensure that you and your child feel you’re choosing the best possible fit.

Enlisting an expert to guide you and your family through the admission process can yield amazing results. Not only will your child thrive socially, they will have access to more scholarships, appropriate internships, and job opportunities. Ultimately, your child will be attending college in order to maximize their job opportunities post-graduation.

Boston Tutoring Services offers expert college consulting. Our highly trained and experienced Admission Coaches guide you and your child through the College Admission process. Our services include Essay Coaching, Interview Coaching, and Admission Consulting. We offer the highest level of personalized attention and support in order to accommodate every type of student. For more information, see https://bostontutoringservices.com/admissions-services/.

Alexandra Berube
Managing Director
Boston Tutoring Services