7 Questions You and Your Teen Should Consider When Visiting Colleges

God has given your teen unique gifts to develop and use, and college is an important time for your teen to do so. Some students are gifted in music, art, or athletics. Others have talents for leadership, service, or innovation. A good college will not only prepare your teen for a career but also help them explore and develop the gifts God has given them. For example, at the college my children chose—George Mason University—all students have an opportunity to take a free and detailed assessment of their personal strengths and then learn how to use those strengths to succeed, both personally and professionally. Ask about opportunities for your teen to pursue their natural interests since they will naturally be interested in what relates to their talents. Are there spaces on campus for creative arts and athletics? Are there leadership development programs, volunteer opportunities, or mission trips? Does the college encourage students to seek God's calling in all areas of their lives? Romans 12:6 points out: "We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us." Part of your teen's college experience should be about discovering those gifts and how to use them to serve others and glorify God. Look for a college where your teen can do so well.

College is a vital place to learn and grow intellectually, so it's important to determine whether the school offers strong academic programs that align with your teen's goals. Start by talking with your teen about their academic goals—especially as they relate to possible career paths. Even if your teen doesn't know exactly what they want to do, you can look for colleges that offer flexibility, exploratory programs, and strong advising. When visiting a college, explore the departments related to your teen's interests. Are the faculty experienced and approachable? Is the curriculum interesting and challenging? What opportunities exist for research, internships, or hands-on learning? Don't hesitate to ask questions about graduation rates, job placement, or how students are supported academically. A college should help your teen earn a degree and prepare them to make a meaningful contribution to the world. Look for colleges where students are encouraged to think critically and biblically about their fields, so they can practice discernment and grow in wisdom. Proverbs 18:15 says: "The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out." As you and your teen visit colleges, seek out the knowledge that will help your teen grow into the person God has called them to be.

Every college operates with a set of values. These values influence everything from how students are taught to how they treat one another. During your visits, try to understand what matters most at each school and whether those values align well with your family's values. Ask how every college handles issues like integrity, diversity, service, and making important decisions. Talk to students and faculty about how these values are lived out. Are students encouraged to serve their communities? Are faculty and staff modeling servant leadership? How does the college respond to conflict or difficult cultural topics? Jesus says about believers in Matthew 7:20: "Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them." Look for the fruit. Do you see a campus where people love and respect each other? Do the programs and events reflect the college's stated mission? Watch for actions that either confirm or contradict the words on the website or admissions brochure. Your teen should be in a place where values aren't just talked about but lived out in meaningful ways.

Photo credit: RNS/Wheaton College Virtual Tour Screengrab

Considering how a college will support your teen's relationship with Jesus is important. Consider how well the college gives students opportunities to practice their faith and grow spiritually. Do faculty and staff encourage students to talk about faith with respect? Are there thoughtful prayer and worship gatherings for students and faith-based service opportunities for students through campus ministries or Christian clubs? If you can, attend a worship service or Bible study while you're on campus. Talk to current students about their spiritual lives and ask if they feel encouraged and strengthened in their faith. Do they face challenges to their beliefs, and if so, how do they find support for well-being from the college? As 2 Timothy 1:13-14 encourages you: "What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you–guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us."

College is a time when your teen will need to "guard the good deposit" of their faith and keep growing spiritually. Make sure the environment helps them do so.

The size and setting of a college can greatly influence your teen's experience there. Large universities often offer more majors, research opportunities, and extracurriculars, but can also feel overwhelming. Smaller colleges may offer more personal attention and a close-knit community but have fewer resources. Likewise, the location of a college matters. Is it in a city or a rural area? Is the surrounding community safe, and does it offer opportunities for church involvement, internships, and service? How far is it from home, and how will distance affect your family? Encourage your teen to think about what environment helps them to thrive. Does your teen like a fast-paced atmosphere or a quiet, reflective environment? Does your teen want a place where professors know them well or a place where they can be more independent? Proverbs 4:7 urges you: "The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding." Understanding what setting best supports your teen's growth will help you choose wisely. Don't be afraid to take your time, ask questions, and trust your observations.

College can be expensive, and God calls you to manage your money wisely. Take a close look at what each college you're considering will cost and what help is available to pay for it. Ask detailed questions about tuition, fees, room and board, books, and travel. Find out what scholarships your teen may qualify for – both academic scholarships and need-based scholarships. Learn about grants, student work programs, and payment plans. Don't be afraid to ask the financial aid office to explain all the details. Also, consider the long-term implications of your family or teen taking on debt. What kind of salary can your teen expect in their chosen field? Will any future loan payments be manageable? These are tough questions, but asking them now will help you prevent hardship later. In Luke 14:28, Jesus gives this wise advice: "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won't you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?"

Planning with prayerful consideration and honest conversations can help you choose a college wisely.

College is one of the most significant transitions in your teen's life. It's time they will start to make decisions independently and take responsibility for those choices. Your teen should be in an environment that encourages growing more mature. So, when visiting colleges, ask about support systems like counseling, academic advising, and career services. What kind of training or mentoring is available to help students grow in leadership? How does each college encourage students to manage their time, relationships, and responsibilities well? Talk to students about their daily routines and responsibilities. Do they feel prepared to handle challenges? Are they given room to grow while also being supported by caring adults? Galatians 6:5 says: "For each one should carry their own load." College should be a place where your teen learns to carry their own load while trusting God for help.

In conclusion, visiting colleges is a special time for you and your teen to discern where God is leading. Choose to trust that God is already at work preparing the right path for your son or daughter. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages you to: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

As you visit college campuses, talk and pray honestly about what you discover together. Eventually, God will lead your family to choose the best college for your teen.