College! Over the last ten years that word has become a regular part of our household vocabulary. During that time, our three older children have attended four different institutions of higher learning. They have been students at our local junior college, a state university, and two private Christian colleges. Two students stayed in our home state of Texas. One is presently attending college out-of-state.

Our experience hasn't included any Ivy League schools, but what we lack in prestige we make up for in variety. We have learned a lot! As I share our experiences, I would like to address my comments directly to high school students. Perhaps I can save you a few steps, help you avoid a few pitfalls, and give you a few thoughts to chew on. And mom and dad, please listen in!

Look at colleges where you can comfortably fit in.

The College Board, creators of the SAT college entrance test, has an excellent website, www.collegeboard.com. The college search area provides basic information on many, many colleges, along with links to each college's website. What are you looking for? Do you want to stay close to home or spread your wings on a cross-country adventure? Are you looking for a rural, suburban, or city campus? A small or large student body? What is the average SAT score of the other students? Will you be competing with students of a similar ability or are they all geniuses operating over your head? What extracurricular activities are offered? Do you want a secular or Christian campus? The answer to these and many other questions will determine whether a college is a comfortable fit for you.

Don't look at the price tag first.

This advice goes against everything in my frugal nature, but when considering colleges we have found this advice to be true. We happen to live in a college town, having both a well-respected junior college and a branch of our state university in our backyard. With no room and board expenses, an education from either is quite affordable. Through the years, we have made successful use of both institutions for dual enrollment, transfer credit, and for one of our children, a bachelor's degree. Yet one thing was lacking that we really wanted: a Christian college experience. Unfortunately the price tag seemed impossible, because frankly, it was. At least it was until we learned this next lesson.

Find a college that wants you.

Colleges vary tremendously in how actively incoming freshmen are courted. A prestigious college, which many students clamor to attend, may or may not have scholarship money for you, even if you are an exceptional student. (After all, all their applicants are exceptional and they can only accept half of them.) Yet another university offering an excellent education, but with less name recognition, may be very interested in you — and prove it by backing their interest with extensive scholarship money. Whether speaking of jeans or schools, quality can be delivered without name recognition!