These steps were adapted from The College Handbook, published by the College Board, and, although originally intended for 11th- and 12th-graders, parents will find them a valuable resource when broaching the subject of college with their teenagers and guiding them on the path of choosing the college that is right for them.

1. Ask your child if he or she believes any of these myths, then share the accompanying responses.

There is only one college that’s exactly right for me.
In reality, no college will be an absolutely perfect match. There are more than 3,000 colleges, many with the features you want.

My test scores will keep me out of college.
Totally wrong. Admission decisions are based on lots of factors, never on test scores alone. No college wants a student to spend time and money on an experience that isn’t a good fit. To predict the chance for success, they look at an applicant’s high school courses, grades, class rank, and admission test scores. If they are selective, they will evaluate the application essay to get a sense of who the student is and how well he expresses himself in writing. They will also look at letters of recommendation, personal interview, special talents and skills, service to school or community, and work experience.

My first-choice college is too expensive or too selective.
Never rule out a college because of its cost until you find out whether you are eligible for financial aid. The “sticker price” isn’t necessarily what you’re going to pay. And don’t rule out a college if your test scores, GPA, and overall high school background are within the range of its admission requirements.

If I make the wrong choice, I’ll be stuck in a college I don’t like.
No way. You can always transfer to another college. More than 200,000 students transfer every year.

2. Keep your teen’s needs and interests in mind.
College selection is a two-sided process, so before you look at what colleges want, try to determine what your child needs and wants from a college. Ask him or her to reflect on the following questions:

* What kind of student am I–good, average, or below average? What kinds of courses am I taking in high school? In what subject areas do I feel most confident? What classes do I struggle with?
* Do I prefer being the best in a class, or do I need the presence of equally bright peers in order to challenge myself? Do I learn better in a competitive or cooperative environment? Do I prefer large classes or small?
* What school activities or community or local affairs have been most important to me, and which ones will I want to continue in college?
* What jobs have I had? Do I plan to work during college for money or experience, or both?
* Do I want a familiar environment or am I ready for a change?

3. Don’t enter the college supermarket without a shopping list.
Parents and teenagers have a dizzying selection of colleges from which to choose. To stay focused, have your son or daughter develop a list of personal traits and those he or she wants in a college. Together you can modify both lists as you go along in the college selection process.

Personal Profile

*
GPA
*
Class rank
*
Scores on admission tests
*
What college prep courses did I take?
*
AP courses

What I’d like in a College?

* Type of college (public, private, 2-year, 4-year, competitive, coed, etc.)
* Location
* Size
* Test scores for middle 50 percent of freshmen
* Special characteristics (religious affiliation, study abroad, social life, etc.)

4. Start shopping!
There are countless ways to “window shop” for colleges that match your shopping list–guidebooks, catalogs, college view books, college fairs, websites, campus visits, and high school graduates who are often delighted to talk to younger students about their college experiences. One of the best search engines is College Explorer at www.collegeboard.com. This website also contains a complete outline of the college application process, including opportunities to match skills and interests with possible employment opportunities.

This is just the start of the mutual selection process between student and college, but it’s a good start. Teens and their families may have other questions later: What about applying for early admission or early decision? How does financial aid work? Which financial aid package should we accept? Should we bargain for financial aid? For answers to these and other questions, consult a good guidebook or a college counselor or guidance counselor at your high school. In some cases, you might consider asking a college’s admissions staff. They can be helpful sources of advice, too.

The College Board is a national, nonprofit membership association dedicated to preparing, inspiring, and connecting students to college and opportunity. Each year, the College Board serves over 3 million students and their parents, 22,000 high schools, and 3,500 colleges through major programs and services in college admission, guidance, assessment, financial aid, enrollment, and teaching and learning.