Can Aesthetics Drive College Choice....

.....they can if you're Victoria.

Victoria's college search started officially yesterday with an informational and group tour, hosted about two hours from our home. During the first of the two campus visits, we checked out the bookstore and art building, dorms, cafes and athletic fields. We gathered brochures, and then headed to our second destination.

I thought the college was appropriate for her, educationally challenging; clean, secure, friendly campus; close enough to home. So, as we headed out of the main gate, we asked her how she liked it.

Her response: “It so pretty.” So, I learned something important just then: Aesthetics are important to Victoria's overall college experience. Trying to learn more about what she likes in an effort to narrow our search further I asked, “What look do you like?” She loved the quaintness of the campus, the multiple bodies of water scattered over the grounds, the fountains, bridges, the cleanliness of the entire school, the colors in the cafe and most of all the beach at the edge of campus in this great little beach town. And, of course, the easy access to Boston via the commuter rail.

Like most girls her age, familiar with the magazines and clothing catalogs advertising “collegiate style outfits” photographed on beautiful college campuses, Victoria had a “college image” in her mind and it was my job (and anyone else who wants to help) to help her see the bigger picture: the major she wants; affordability; value; accessibility; and yes, aesthetics, because looks and atmosphere are important to her.

As we arrived at our second destination, I could immediately see the disappointment in Victoria's eyes. It was off a major road, there was no quaintness, the buildings were ugly and far apart, the grass was barely green, there were no flowers, no ponds, no activity and barely any students.

During the tour we listened as the student guide say how wonderful the school was and how much she loved it there. I was proud of Victoria, as she announced that she was going to keep an open mind. However, as we toured the grounds and facilities, I could tell that Victoria was just going through the motions. If only they had a beach nearby.