You can picture it as clearly as though it were yesterday–her bright smile as she turned around to wave before climbing aboard the bus for the first day of kindergarten; her look of pride as she wobbled down the driveway on her bike for the first time without training wheels. Where did the time go? Your child is ready to begin senior year in high school. In a little more than a year, you'll be driving off to college, the car piled high with boxes, clothes and more gear than you can imagine. Once again, you'll have one of those defining moments of parenthood–leaving your child on campus to begin the next phase in life.

A child's college education is the most significant investment most families will ever make outside of the purchase of their home. Although most people begin their search for a new home by reading newspaper listings and visiting websites, few make the commitment to buy without visiting the home and investigating the surrounding neighborhood.

Selecting an appropriate college requires just as much effort. College view books are informative and provide a wealth of details, but nothing replaces walking around on the campus to get a true feel for what life would be like there. Visiting college campuses with your child this summer is one of the best ways to ensure that upon graduation, your child will be going to a college that best meets her needs. Tours and information sessions provide one of the best introductions to campus life. Asking the right questions and knowing what to look for on campus helps parents and students gather the background information needed to make good decisions.

To make a wise choice, investigate the following areas in depth.

The strength of the instructional program should be a primary focus when visiting any college campus. Whether your child has decided on a course of study or not, pay close attention to the availability of majors. Other factors to consider include faculty expectations, support services and academic enrichment opportunities, such as honors and leadership programs.

• How wired is this campus?
• What is the workload like?
• What are the "stand out" programs on this campus?

The quality of faculty-student interactions can make a tremendous difference in a student's educational experience. Ideally, students will have many chances to meet with professors informally.

• Who teaches undergraduate classes? Professors or graduate teaching assistants?
• How does the academic advising program work?

The thought of a lecture class with 400 peers can be intimidating for some students. For others, anonymity can be a welcome change from high school. Students look for different things during their college experiences.

• Are there opportunities for collaborative group projects?
• What study abroad programs are available?
• Are internships and research opportunities available to undergraduates?

Parents often look first at the caliber of the academic programs. Students, however, are often most interested in the quality of campus life. Experiences outside of the classroom can be a major influence in a successful transition to college life. Where and how students study, sleep, eat and relax are worth investigation.

• Where do first year students live?
• What is the food like?
• Are opportunities for spiritual growth and religious expression easily accessible?
• What clubs, intramural sports and activities are available?
• Are performance opportunities in music and theater possible for non-majors?

Colleges have services available to assist students as they transition to jobs or graduate school. The admissions office should be able to answer your questions about the available support.

• What are the placement rates into medical, law and other professional schools?
• What job placement services are offered?
• How active is the alumni network in helping graduates obtain their goals?

Parents never stop worrying about their children. In recent years, college administrators have worked hard to make their campuses even more safe and secure. In addition to observing the surroundings, families should ask specific questions about security services.

• Is there an escort service available for students returning to residence halls late at night?
• Are crime statistics available for prospective students and families to review?
• How are safety issues addressed in the first-year orientation program?

Financial aid offices exist to help families make college affordable. Although there is rarely time for a conversation during an initial visit, families should follow up with the financial aid office to explore merit- and need-based aid.

Help your child take responsibility for the college process by suggesting that she make contact with the schools under consideration.

• Schedule a tour. By checking the college's website and following the Admissions link, you will find information about the types of tours and information sessions available.
• Wear comfortable shoes. You'll be doing lots of walking.
• Encourage your child to review the college's view book and other informational literature before the visit.
• If your child is interested in a major in the performing arts, suggest that she contact the music/dance/theater department to arrange for a tour of the facilities and an interview with the staff.
• If your child is an athlete, a visit with the coach is a must. Even if your child is not a recruited athlete, she should make contact with the coach via e-mail to explore walk-on possibilities.
• Drive or walk through the town/neighborhood to get a feel for the surrounding environment.
• If possible, have a snack in one of the school's dining facilities. You child will be able to check out the food and observe the students as they relax and interact.
• Pick up a copy of the student newspaper. You will get a good sense of the "hot topics" on campus.
• Look at the bulletin boards in the student center for a sample of what's happening.
• Ask questions!

National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE)
http://www.iub.edu/~nsse/

Pronounced "nessie," the National Survey of Student Engagement collects information yearly from college students across the country in order to measure the quality of the educational experience. Although not all colleges participate, those that do may make the results available to prospective students.

Montgomery County Public Schools
Montgomery County Public Schools' College & Career Center website has many resources for parents and students. In addition to online career inventories, there are links to many reputable sites to help with the college process.

Fairfax County Public Schools
http://www.fcps.edu/DSSSE/StudentServices/Guidance/Guidance.htm

Arlington County Public Schools
http://www.arlington.k12.va.us/stud_serv/college/
Arlington's College Corner has a searchable scholarship database.

District of Columbia Public Library — Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library
http://www.dclibrary.org/mlk/college-info-ctr.html
The Greater Washington College Info Center is the product of collaboration among more than 30 educational and social service institutions. In addition to college guidebooks and other publications, volunteers are available to help students plan for college. Contact the library for hours.

Campus Visits & College Interviews: A Complete Guide for College-Bound Students and Their Families, by Zola Dincin Schneider. College Board, 2002. ISBN 0-87447-6755

National Association for College Admission Counseling
http://www.nacac.com/p&s.html
This professional organization is dedicated to serving students as they make choices about pursuing post-secondary education. Their website contains a special section with resources for students.

Independent Educational Consultants Association
www.iecaonline.org
An educational consultant can provide assistance to students and their families in choosing that "best fit" college. Because they have visited many college campuses, educational consultants have first-hand knowledge that can make the process less overwhelming. Some consultants serve students of all ability levels–from the National Merit Scholar to the C student; others specialize and work exclusively with students with learning differences.

Leslie Kent, a former Fairfax County Public School principal, is the founder of Leslie Kent Consulting. As a college planner, Leslie helps students organize the college application process. Emily A. Snyder, managing director of Know Your Options, LLC, is a former member of the Fairfax County Board of Education. She is currently focusing on college consulting and private school placement services. Both are members of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) and the Washington Independent Services for Educational Resources (WISER).