Some parents in our Collegewise program are “spreadsheet
parents” (it’s a term of endearment to us).
They enjoy delving into college research for their kids. They read all the guidebooks. They take detailed notes when they tour
colleges. Some even enter all of their
findings into complex spreadsheets, hence the nickname.
There’s nothing wrong with a parent doing exhaustive college research, especially if you’re paying the bill.
Just don’t necessarily expect that your kids will approach the process the
same way.
Some students enjoy analyzing their college likes and
dislikes in excruciating detail. Most
don’t. It’s hard for kids to compare proposed
collegiate features and benefits when they haven’t been to college yet. They work with what they read, what they hear from other students, and what they see
on campus visits. And the vast majority
of them end up very happy where they go to college. It might not be comprehensive, but it does work.
Trust their instincts even if they haven’t compiled
spreadsheet-like proof to substantiate them.