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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]How has he chosen these schools on his list?  Has he done a tour (online or on person), looked at strengths in specific majors/programs he is interested in?  
My kid knocked several schools off her list after doing these things.  
Have you found at least one safety school that he can see himself happy at?
Have you checked out financial health and endowment for the schools on his list?  (Probably less of an issue for top schools, but still something to take a look at)
Is cost an issue for you?  Narrowing down choices to affordable ones (either lower-cost or via merit aid) is a totally acceptable parental action.

I found that the closer to application time, the more choices were dropped off the list, so this may happen for you too.
And the right number is different for different kids: one ofine had 10 applications and the other had 3.  They are both happy with their outcomes.[/quote]

How do you determine strength of major? [/quote]

Number of faculty
Variety of courses offered
Subfield-specific offerings (if relevant)
Then it branches depending on field/what kid hopes to do:
faculty research projects/interests
Existence/ranking of grad program
Job/grad school placements, recruitment/internship/co-op opportunities[/quote]

Thanks![/quote]

I'd add that touring a school can show up strengths in where they spend their money (new science labs or a digital art studio, for example) and schools will generally try to sell their strengths in particular areas on tours/info sessions or the school website.  
Looking at extra opportunities related to areas of study (access to a local archeological dig for history/archeology majors, having a field station for environ. science/bio majors, etc)
And checking out the Fiske guide will list areas that a school is noted for
As well as general ideas such as a school with "tech" in the name somewhere will be stronger in STEM areas and a school that stresses writing as an outcome for all students will probably be stronger in the humanities.

I'll also add that choosing a school only because of a certain program could backfire if the student changes his/her mind.   My own kid went to a school with a field station program but then changed their major away from Environ Science to another area that the school is not particularly known for.   But since it is a well-regarded LAC, the overall education and alumni network is still top-notch, no matter what major is chosen.  [/quote]

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