An undergraduate open house is just as beneficial for parents and families of students as it is for prospective students themselves. If your child is embarking upon his or her college search, here are some things to keep in mind. Plan ahead and communicate to help him or her make this big decision while putting your mind at ease.  

Due diligence is extremely important. You don’t go through the college search very often so make it count. Explore a variety of options to determine the best fit for your child. Are they better suited for a public or private education? Is their learning style tailored toward bigger classrooms or smaller, more inclusive environments? These questions also extend to the types of programs your child is interested in pursuing. Even if they seem to have their mind made up with a major, encourage them to talk to students and professors in other programs.

Communication with your child is crucial when it comes to visiting campuses. Plan some of your questions in advance. For example, make sure to ask them if they feel comfortable during their open house visit. What do they like and dislike about the campus they’re currently visiting? If your student plans on commuting, ask what that student culture is like. If they plan on living on campus, ask about dining packages and dorm options. All of these types of questions will help narrow down your search and everyone will know what to look for when the right college does present itself.

Do they offer smaller class sizes? Do they have the right academic atmosphere for your student? What about the surrounding neighborhoods? Is it a safe environment? How easy is it to visit? Daemen College fits the bill in all regards. Daemen students are highly motivated to learn in inclusive environments with a strong 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio. We’re also conveniently located in the Buffalo suburb Amherst, NY, which has been ranked as one of the safest cities in America.

When attending an open house, be sure to ask admissions counselors and faculty detailed questions to ensure that your child is finding the right academic fit. The answers are important for their educational experience and will ultimately help to prepare them for a successful career in the future. Does the school offer enriching study abroad programs? Are there research opportunities available for undergraduate students? What types of outside learning opportunities are available? These may include experiential learning experiences, including internships, service learning and more.

No matter what you and your child may separately want, there’s one thing you can all agree on when it comes to finding the right college. Everyone wants a college education that makes them more marketable as a job candidate. And a liberal arts base combined with strong professional programs prepares Daemen College students for the increasingly competitive job market. The learning environment is inclusive, immersive and hands-on, complemented by strong career services and professional networking systems. Do not be afraid to visit the same school more than once. It will help everyone to feel more comfortable when you do make a decision.

Encourage your child to apply to their “reach schools.” Whether they believe they can’t get in based on academics or you don’t think they’ll be able to afford tuition, apply anyways. Your child may be surprised when they get accepted and you may be surprised to learn about all of the available scholarships in that school’s financial aid package.

Before, during and after your open houses and campus visits, be sure to speak with financial aid advisors. They’re the ones who will be best able to provide you and your child with all of the tuition assistance options as well as applications for FAFSA, grants and merit-based scholarships.