After you make a list of schools which you think will be a good fit, visit these schools virtually. Take their online tours. Read all you can about them. This will give you a basic feel for the schools.
Call the schools to request admissions materials.
Next step is to request admissions materials. This will usually include a catalog and an application package. Now, I understand that it is somewhat old-fashioned to call admissions offices, but I strongly encourage you to do that. Talk to the admissions staff. Personally, I am always impressed positively or negatively by the telephone manner and responses of the person on the other end of the line. Since I am considering entrusting my child to that institution, I want to know that there are real, live, caring souls to look after her at all times.
You can always request admissions materials online or via email if you are pressed for time. While email is efficient, you won't have the same personal interaction with the school as you will when you call.
Watch the videos.
Most schools will send you a DVD tour of the school. This is an excellent way of getting a feel for the school. Even though it is obviously a perfect view of everything the school wants you to see, it will give you a good idea of the school community and its setting.
Make a short list.
When you and your child have thoroughly reviewed all the materials, eliminate the schools which don't meet your needs. You should end up with a short list of three to five schools. There are no hard and fast rules in this process. Be flexible. If you end up with only two schools which meet your needs, that's fine. If the list includes half a dozen, that's fine too -- more work, but quite fine. Discuss this short list with your educational consultant. Heed her expert advice.
