Parent College Criteria Survey - Headwaters Educational Consulting

In the coming months, we will be developing your student’s college criteria and building a preliminary list of schools. The process of choosing a college begins with a careful look at each student. We will assess interests, attitudes, abilities, and finances to find the right match between each student and his/her eventual college choice.

This survey is designed for parents. Many families have specific ideas and concerns about colleges, and these questions are designed as a starting point. Parents may complete this questionnaire with or without the student. I find it can be a great conversation tool. Do not stress about questions you are not sure of; this survey is simply a first impression of your ideas.

Your Information

Parent Name *

Student Name *

College Preferences

Directions: Please select all responses that apply to each question and add notes. If there is a question you had not considered and are not sure how to answer, it’s okay to choose other and let me know in the notes.

What factors are most important to your student’s college selection decision? *Majors/Courses OfferedSchools ReputationSize of SchoolDistance from HomeLikelihood of AcceptanceOther (please list)

Important Factors Notes

How far from home would you consider for your student to attend college? *Within a 3-hour driveWithin a 7-hour driveWithin a day’s driveAn easy flight home

Distance Notes

What category of educational institution best describes your family’s interests? *In-state public institutionIn-state private institutionOut-of-state public institutionOut-of-state private institutionState or community collegeTrade schoolNot Sure

College Type Notes

Is the cost of college a factor in where your child will enroll? *Not a factorSignificant factorOverriding factor

Cost Notes

Payment Notes

Does your student qualify for any scholarships? *Yes (please list in notes)NoNot sure and would like to explore

Scholarship Notes

Has your student taken any dual-enrollment courses? *Yes (please provide transcript)No

Dual-Enrollment Notes

Would you or your student consider a gap year? *YesNo (please explain in notes)I do not know enough.

Gap Year Notes

What major(s) is your student considering pursuing? *My student is confident in their choice of major (explain in notes)My student is considering a couple of options (explain in notes)My student does not know at this time

Major Notes

Do you feel this major is a good fit for your son or daughter? *Yes (explain in notes)No (explain in notes)

Major Fit Notes

Do you expect that school-sponsored extracurricular activities such as sports, art, drama, or music will play a significant role throughout your student’s college years? *Yes (explain what activities in the notes)No

Extracurricular Activities Notes

Is religion a factor in where your child will enroll? *Not a factorSignificant factorOverriding factor

Religion Notes

Do you plan to take your student to visit colleges before applying to them? *YesNo

College Visit Notes

How important is a “brand name” school? *Not a factorSignificant factorOverriding factor

Brand Name College Notes

What type of educational setting would provide the best environment for your student? *Extra-large University 25,000+Large University 10,000 to 25,000Mid-sized University 3,000 to 10,000Small University up to 3,000

What is your greatest concern in the college transition? *Finding a school that best fits student’s needsIdentifying student’s majorCostGrades to qualify for student’s top collegeOther

Are there target colleges you prefer?

Are there colleges you definitely would not consider?

Please list any other factors that should be considered.