It Just Doesn't Fit!

This week's Clinic column is the first in a series about finding the right "fit" of a college to your kid. Like in any other program, not just performing arts, the feel, look, and other intangibles come into play when your child is looking at colleges. When Greg and I looked at colleges, first for jazz and then for musical theatre, there were times when we agreed -- both that this one was a good fit and this one wasn't -- and when we disagreed. It took me some tongue-biting, but I had to really work at reminding myself that this was his life and his choice.

The ones we really agreed on that would be good fits -- DePaul and Western Michigan, primarily -- felt good for different reasons. DePaul had the allure of the big city, something that both of us are drawn to (is it genetic?), the teacher that Greg really respected, the prestige of the program. Western Michigan just felt good -- they had exciting classes and trips, the enthusiasm of the professors and students was real and contagious. And when we found schools that were not good fits, it was obvious pretty quickly. The students we met didn't exude friendliness or professionalism. The professors were either unavailable for questions or dismissive. Neither of those contacts (or lack of) left us with a good feeling.

I have one more child to go through the college-search process with. While we won't be looking for a performing arts school, I think the things I learned with Greg will really help me with Andy -- despite the fact that he'll be looking for things that are probably polar opposites than items that were on Greg's checklist. But I think I can help him feel those intangibles and not just look at the numbers, the classes, the buildings or the distance from home.