As students are getting ready to make one of the most important decisions of their lives, they should keep their options open so they can make the best choice possible for their careers. For this reason, they will need to do their homework, and as a parent, you can help. Encourage your student  to apply to at least one of the colleges or universities found on this website, because you and they will never know if they can be admitted or receive sufficient financial aid unless they apply. This website has been designed to help you and your student make a sound decision by providing you with useful information about Indiana's 31 independent colleges and universities and links to other helpful resources.

Colleges are as different as the students they serve. A student needs to evaluate his or her "personal fit" with each institution he or she is considering and decide what is the best match for his or her interests. Before doing that, though, students and their parents should carefully consider the student's strengths, needs, and preferences. Questions your student should be asking him- or herself include:

• Do I already know what field I want to study? If not, don't worry. There's plenty of time to choose a major, and there's lots of time to explore before deciding.

• Would I prefer a large, comprehensive university or a smaller, liberal arts college? An urban, suburban, or rural setting?

• Is it important to find a college that supports my religious faith? Many independent colleges are affiliated with a specific denomination. Others are non-denominational, while some have no religious orientation.

• How far away from home do I want to be?

• Am I interested in joining a fraternity or sorority?

• Would I be like opportunities for volunteering or community service?

• Do I want to play certain sports and the collegiate level? Do I want to join musical or theatrical groups?

As you and your student evaluate colleges, here are some questions to ask yourselves:

• Does the college or university have a strong academic reputation, particularly in my desired field(s) of study?

• How do graduates fare in job placement or graduate school?

• What kinds and amounts of financial aid has the college or university offered me?

• How large are typical classes? Are undergraduates taught by professors or by graduate assistants?

• Will the professors challenge and encourage me in the classroom?

• How up-to-date are the library, laboratories, and other facilities?

• Does the institution offer tutoring, counseling, and help with job placement?

• How's the social life on campus? If many students go home on weekends, are there activities for those who stay on campus?

• What are the options for residence halls, Greek life, and other types of housing? Does the college serve food that I like to eat?

Clearly, there's a lot to consider when choosing a college! The best way to evaluate an institution, though, is to make a campus visit. Contact the admissions offices of the colleges and universities that you and your students want to learn more about. They'll be happy to set up a visit so you can see the facilities, meet faculty members and current students, and get a feel for how well the institution can meet the needs of your student.