Coffee Break with Liz and Kate

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My daughter’s third college visit was tonight – this time with a university whose primary appeal is get in, get out, make money.

While I don’t remember giving it much thought in my younger years, it appears that, in the end, choosing a college or university is similar to buying a car. I’m choosing a car, by the way, because most people keep cars from two to six years – essentially the equivalent of time spent in college. If you have a better analogy, I’m happy for you.

So what do we consider when buying a car? Well, looks for certain. Admit it. Most of us have a preference when it comes to a 1970s Pinto versus a 2010 Lexus. Don’t lie.

We want to be a Lexus.

We also have our quirks as to whether or not the school has a football team (think GPS), a Greek society (think sunroof) or a more than one building on campus (think heated seats, DVD player and the like). Are classes small or will you be attending lectures with 350 other students? (Think a nice room-y car versus one where you’re packed in like a sardine.)

Add to that the enthusiasm of those who show us the campus. Too little enthusiasm equals “I don’t care who you are,” while too much enthusiasm equals “get your hands wallet.”

Tonight, we had the latter. Oh sure, high school to professional in 18 months is tempting. And it just might be the way to go.

Then there’s the flip side of four-plus years of college. There are a lot of classes that really leave you scratching your head as to their merits – where you’re forced into decided between taking a class in Sub-Saharan African Politics and Underwater Basketweaving in order to graduate.

Gotta be a tough decision if you’re 17 or 18. Especially when every college tour guide promises that their school is the best.

The point is, you have to find a school that feels good for you, regardless of what anyone else has to say. Just like you have to like the way the steering wheel feels as you wrap your hands around it, or the way the clutch releases.

And for every graduating high school senior out there, you’ll have to find your own version of a Lexus. Which will probably mean listening to a lot of used car salesman types on your search for the perfect college. They may promise you the world, but it’s up to you to do the test drive. Take the time to do that, and I’m betting you’ll find your Lexus – even if that means driving a few Pintos along the way.

-Liz

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