How do we find the right school?
Interest inventory, skill assesments and extensive conversations with both student and parents are key factors in creating the ‘short list.’
The goal of Porter Education Consulting is to help each student find the right ‘fit’ for their college experience. This involves getting to know the student; their career ideas, their family expectations, what they are hoping their college life will be like and many other variables. Through interviews, academic reviews, career assessments, guided research, summer planning and other ways, Porter Education Consulting works with each student to come up with an initial list of potential schools.
At the initial interview, which typically includes the student and parents, the student’s academic history is reviewed: college entrance testing, course history over the past years and plans for future course work. The student and parents are asked for their input on location, size, and style of the school they have in mind. Career plans are discussed and internship and summer possibilities are explored. Yet many students do not have clear career ideas at this point in their lives. After our first meeting, PEC uses a variety of tools for exploring the world of work. These explorations can be helpful in opening up the student to self-awareness and the type of careers that exist.
Following the first meeting (or more, if necessary), an initial list of schools is drawn up for the student to review. Students research each school and many visit the ones that seem the most appealing. With PEC’s support and guidance, students will ultimately decide which schools are indeed the best fit for their needs and begin the application process.
Issues that typically arise relating to ‘fit’:
- Does the school offer the major(s) I am considering?
- Is the school in the location I want?
- Does the school have the campus atmosphere I think will best meet my needs?
- Is the school in the price range I can afford? (See Making it Affordable)
- What is the profile of the student body?
- Where will I fit in academically?