Parent Prep

Choosing a college may be one of the biggest decisions your son or daughter has made so far. With thousands of colleges and universities to consider — and questions about majors, cost, location, campus life, and career preparation — the process can quickly feel overwhelming.

But finding the right college doesn't have to come down to rankings, a perfect pros-and-cons list, or one impressive campus visit.

As you walk through the college search with your student, focus on the bigger question: Where will your student be equipped to grow academically, personally, and spiritually?

Use these five considerations as a checklist to help your family evaluate your student's options.

1. Begin With the End in Mind

Before comparing residence halls, dining options, or even academic programs, think about who your student is becoming.

What kind of person do you hope your son or daughter will be four years from now? What characteristics do you hope will define them academically, professionally, relationally, and spiritually?

Consider questions like:

• How do we want our student to grow in independence and maturity?
• What kind of preparation will they need for their future career?
• What kind of friendships and community do we hope they will develop?
• How important is it that their education integrates rather than separates their faith and their academic pursuits?
• Who do we hope will be influencing and mentoring them during these formative years?

Your answers can help you identify what matters most to your family — and evaluate colleges based on those priorities rather than simply comparing features.

The value of a Christian college education

2. Remember That College Is About More Than Earning a Degree

Choosing a college is certainly about finding a strong academic program and preparing for a career. But for students entering college directly from high school, these four years also represent a significant transition from adolescence to adulthood.

Your student will be making increasingly independent decisions about what they believe, how they spend their time, who they surround themselves with, and who they want to become.

As you consider colleges, ask:

• Who will teach and mentor my student?
• What ideas and perspectives will shape their education?
• What kind of community will surround them?
• What opportunities will they have to develop meaningful relationships with faculty and other students?
• Will they be encouraged to grow deeper in their Christian faith?
• Does the university's stated mission actually shape everyday campus life?

At Cedarville, this commitment extends beyond the classroom through experiences like daily chapel, intentional discipleship, student organizations, residence life, and opportunities to serve alongside others.

How important is a university’s doctrinal statement?

3. Help Your Student Discover Their Gifts and Calling

Some students begin their college search knowing exactly what they want to study. Others aren't sure yet — and that's OK.

The college search can be an opportunity to help your student recognize the interests, abilities, and God-given gifts that may shape their future.

Pay attention to what energizes your student. What subjects do they enjoy? What problems do they like solving? Where have you seen them thrive? What kinds of work or service seem especially meaningful to them?

Then look for a college that will help your student continue that process of discovery.

If your student already has a major in mind, explore the curriculum, faculty, facilities, internships, clinical experiences, research opportunities, and career outcomes associated with that program. If they're undecided, ask how the university helps students explore majors and career possibilities without falling behind.

The goal isn't simply to choose a major that leads to a job. It's to help your student consider how their education, abilities, interests, and faith can come together as they prepare for a life of meaningful work and service.

Not sure what your student wants to study? Read our guide to choosing a college major, explore Cedarville's 150+ undergraduate programs, or learn how Career Services helps students connect their strengths and interests with future opportunities.

Not sure college is the right next step? With Cedarville's Smart Start, students experience college-level coursework, earn transferable credits, and explore potential majors while they consider whether a traditional college experience is right for them.

4. Ask Questions That Go Beyond the Brochure

College websites and viewbooks can tell you a lot, but choosing a college requires looking beneath the surface.

Once your family identifies its priorities, use them to develop questions for admissions counselors, faculty members, current students, and other families.

For example:

• What distinguishes this academic program from similar programs elsewhere?
• How accessible are professors outside the classroom?
• What happens if my student decides to change majors?
• What internship, research, or hands-on learning opportunities are available?
• How does the university help students prepare for careers or graduate school?
• What does spiritual life actually look like for students?
• How does the university support students who are struggling academically, socially, or personally?
• What is the actual cost after scholarships and financial aid?
• What do current students wish they had known before enrolling?

And don't be afraid to ask several different people the same questions. The consistency — or inconsistency — of their answers can tell you a lot about a university's culture.

Keep asking good questions: Consider these questions to ask when choosing a Christian college or university to help your family compare schools and identify the things that matter most.

5. Visit Campus — and Pay Attention

A campus visit is one of the best ways to move a college from an idea on paper to a place your student can actually imagine calling home.

Whenever possible, visit while classes are in session so you can experience the campus on a typical day. And don't stop with the campus tour! Go to chapel, sit in on a class, grab a meal in the dining hall, and talk with faculty and current students.

As you explore, pay attention to more than buildings and amenities.

How do students interact with one another? How do faculty members talk about their students? Does the campus feel welcoming? Can your student picture themselves learning, building friendships, and growing there?

After your visit, talk through the experience together. What did your student like? What didn't they like? Could they see themselves living and learning there for the next four years?

Experience Cedarville for yourself. The best way to know if Cedarville is the right fit is to experience it in person. Whether you visit on a CU Friday, an Academic Preview Day, or request a personalized visit, we'd love to have you come to campus!

Plan your visit

Give Your Student a Voice in the Decision

As a parent, you have an important role in the college decision — but remember that your student is the one who will ultimately attend the school they choose. Help them think through the options, talk honestly about your family's priorities and finances, ask questions, and pray together. Then, give your student room to take ownership of the decision.

The goal isn't just to find a college where your student can earn a degree. You're looking for a place where they can grow, prepare for what's next, and become the person God has called them to be.

Still have questions? Cedarville's admissions team is here to help your family navigate the college decision process.

Meet your Admissions team →