As a parent of three Christian University graduates, I can say with certainty that, along with the obligatory academic reputation, location, cost and doctrinal considerations, there was one additional, very important decision point for our family – the notion of “in loco parentis," whether or not, within reason, the institutional culture, as it pertains to a holistic approach of care, nurturing, control and discipline would be reasonably close to that which we had established in our home and could serve as the “local parents” to our children, some nine hours away.

Therefore, we added to our checklist containing the universal issues (majors, courses, cost, safety, etc.) the category entitled “institutional preferences.” These would be the things that might mirror the familial culture in the areas of: (1) church attendance (we were the door openers and closers at every event in our home church); (2) dress code (as a former IBMer, I was aware of the many studies tying quality work to higher dress standards); and (3) curfew (even through the high school years we employed a fairly conservative week-night and week-end curfew, understanding that even in the best of families, “nothing good happens after midnight!”).

Your lists could be different, with admittedly broader parameters, but, have one! An approach that equally emphasizes the intellectual, social, moral and spiritual development by the institution to which students are entrusted should be high on the list of choices. Investigate colleges and universities with a purpose to understand the degree to which they might impact and influence the “natural” maturing process that you desire as an extension of your family unit.

For most students, college is a life-changing or life-altering experience. It is important that prospective students think seriously about the kind of person they want to become - professionally, intellectually, emotionally, physically, socially and spiritually. Then carefully consider how different colleges will influence those areas of life. Students rightly focus much attention on a school's reputation, quality of education or athletic prowess. However, too many students do not reflect on other important aspects of their personal development and fail to consider how a school may help or hinder their development in these important areas. I would encourage all students to prayerfully consider which college or university God wants them to attend and to follow wherever He leads.

Important Things to consider