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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]We have just started visiting colleges with our oldest.  I have looked at the rankings, Fiske, College Confidential and the like.  So we know the range of schools he may qualify for, what the common wisdom and stereotypes are for different schools, and he has preferences for size and location, sports, Greek life, etc.  But probably a dozen schools easily fit his general parameters.  How do you start to narrow it down?  We have visited a couple schools that he really liked based on the tours.  But unless we know a current or recent student, they all seem like black boxes.  How can you know if the teaching, or particular programs, are really any good?  How can the student really know if he will fit in based on seeing a few hand picked kids at admissions events and maybe spending one night?  It seems crazy to spend so much money on something one can know so little about in advance, and I have been surprised to hear how many of my friends' kids have transferred after one year because the school turned out to be a poor fit socially or academically.  Our high school will be of limited help since DS is interested in colleges most kids at his small school don't apply to.  Any advice on how to get a deeper understanding of potential colleges?[/quote]

USNEWS is a good starting point for everyone.  Once you've identified target schools, the first hand insight from college prowler and college confidential can fill in gaps.  YouTube videos are the "poor mans" way to get a virtual campus tour. The "Choosing the Right College" guide is the most detailed, but it is not for everyone - use it if you want to avoid overly politicized campuses and watered down core curricula.[/quote]

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