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Tips to find the right university for your child

Choosing a university can be a daunting task for both students and parents. What should you and your child look for? With so many choices available, it can be difficult to know where to begin.

Recognize what's important and unique to your child and help them make an informed decision about the next step in their education. You can find a lot of useful information about prospective schools on- line in The Globe and Mail's University Report Card at globeandmail.com/reportcard.

The University Report Card is a national review of the Canadian undergraduate university experience based solely on student opinion: close to 33,000 students from 49 institutions have graded their schools in numerous academic and campus life categories such as the quality of teaching, career preparation, class sizes, library holdings, residences or food services. Using the University Report Card and the affiliated online search tool, University Navigator, you can generate a personalized university rating or side-by-side comparison by choosing the indicators that are important to you and your child.

Here are some other ways you can support your child in choosing the next step in their education:

• Encourage your child to work on career planning throughout his or her college years. The University Report Card offers insights about universities' grades in career-related categories, including quality of career preparation, availability of on-campus recruitment, opportunities to acquire work-related skills and others.
• Your child may want to explore several major or career options. Be supportive by encouraging your son or daughter to visit with professors, other students, and advisers on campus or to ask for names of alumni working in the field.
• Resist the temptation to steer your child in a certain direction simply because it fits your interests. Students are more likely to be successful in school and their careers if they're doing what they enjoy.

Universities are increasingly beginning to treat students like valued customers and are clearly working to improve the educational experience for undergraduates. The University Report Card is a comprehensive 'owner's manual' to universities, providing invaluable information and insight to help you and your child make one of the most important decisions of their lives. And remember, no matter what your child chooses to pursue, your support is what will make their experience invaluable.

also see Choosing a College | A Timeline for Preparing for College

How to Apply To College - Letters, Essay Writing Tips