Where do I Start to Figure Out My Student's Path? #7 - Researching Paths (College Websites)
- Anne Johnson
- Mar 27, 2024
- 4 min read
Welcome back to our ongoing blog series, "Where Do I Start to Figure Out My Student's Path?". This series is dedicated to assisting high school parents in navigating the journey to figuring out what's next. This week, I am delving into the valuable resources of the school or university's website for college research while balancing your student's mental health considerations. Let's look at how a school or college's website can provide invaluable insights into determining your student's next steps.
Utilizing School Websites for College Research
Last week, I walked you through using independent databases to research colleges and how they are the best place to start because all of the information is in the same place for each school. This week, as I walk you through using school websites for research, it is a bit more complicated because school websites are basically one giant marketing effort by the college or university to convince you why your student should apply to their school. Some information will be hidden and might be housed in different places depending on the school. However, school websites are invaluable for gathering more specific information about academic programs, campus facilities, and student life.
By navigating through various sections of college websites, such as admissions, academics, student life, and campus resources, you can gain insights into factors like academic programs, faculty qualifications, extracurricular opportunities, campus facilities, and alumni networks. Paying attention to class sizes, internship opportunities, study abroad programs, and campus diversity can help paint a comprehensive picture of each school's offerings and atmosphere. Furthermore, reviewing student testimonials, virtual campus tours, and admissions blog posts can provide valuable firsthand perspectives on the student experience.
Common Data Set
One way to standardize the data you find about each school is to use The Common Data Set (CDS). The CDS is compiled annually by colleges and universities, and it provides standardized data on various aspects of campus life, including admissions statistics, financial aid policies, student demographics, academic programs, and more. By looking at the CDS for different schools, you can compare key institution metrics, such as acceptance rates, average test scores, and graduation rates. This standardized data allows for easier comparison and evaluation of schools. Additionally, the CDS often includes information about campus resources, such as student-to-faculty ratios, class sizes, and retention rates, which can provide insight into the level of support and engagement your student can expect at each school.
You can access the Common Data Set (CDS) for colleges and universities through their website. Most colleges and universities publish their CDS reports online as part of their commitment to transparency. However, the easier way to find the CDS for a specific school is to use search engines to find the CDS directly by typing the college or university name followed by "Common Data Set."
Within this larger step these two steps will give you good information about most aspects of any college or university your student is considering. However, you also want to make sure that you dig deeper and explore the resources available to support students' mental health and well-being, which is also essential. By prioritizing mental health considerations in your college research, you can ensure that your students find a holistically supportive environment that meets their needs.
Exploring Mental Health Resources on School Websites
Many colleges and universities offer various mental health resources and accommodations to support students' emotional well-being. These may include counseling services, support groups, peer mentoring programs, and accessibility services for students with mental health conditions. By visiting the counseling or student support sections of school websites, you will gain valuable insights into the level of support available and the campus culture surrounding mental health.
Using ULifeline as a Resource
One other helpful resource for exploring mental health resources at colleges and universities is ULifeline (link at the bottom of the post). ULifeline provides a database of mental health services offered at colleges nationwide, allowing you to search for schools based on specific criteria, such as counseling services, crisis hotlines, and support groups. Leveraging ULifeline will give you another insight into the mental health support available at each school on their student's college list.
Conclusion
School websites offer valuable insights into the resources available to support all aspects of your student's needs. By intentionally exploring mental health accommodations and resources at each school, you can ensure that your student finds a supportive environment where they can thrive academically and personally. The Common Data Set and ULifeline are two resources that break down what can be an overwhelming amount of information into bite-sized chunks that are easier to compare amongst institutions.
Stay tuned for next week's installment of our blog series, where we'll explore the next step in finding your student's path through high school and beyond and continue building resources, community, and skills together.
I look forward to your conversations with your students, teens, and young adults. Let's make this journey joyful and transformative for them!
If you liked this post, I would be grateful if you clicked one of the socials below and shared it, helping more parents figure out their students' educational paths!
Would you like this blog series condensed down into 1 simple checklist? Download my Free Path-Finding Checklist that Prioritizes Mental Health ➡️ Click the link here
Schedule a complimentary 30-minute call to kickstart your teen's journey today! Click the link here
Direct Links:
Comments