TIPS AND TRICKS

Articles to help you select the school for you.

CHOOSING THE COLLEGE THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU

Some things to consider in choosing a college that’s right for you

In considering a college that’s right for you, it’s important to visit the campus if at all possible. If that’s not a possibility, try to meet a college representative at either your school or during a regional or Fall or Spring National College Fair or a Performing & Visual Arts College Fair. Your guidance department should be able to provide you with a list of regional and local college fairs and many colleges provide lists of the college fairs that they’ll be attending.

Programs of Study

Many students are uncertain about their major, or what they want to do for the rest of their life. That's normal! In fact, half of college students switch majors at least once. In part, that is what college is all about - deciding what's right for YOU. However, most student have some sense of direction. For instance, you may be interested in the sciences, or in helping people, or in teaching or communications. If you have a sense of your general interests and academic strengths and weaknesses, consider schools that give you some options in this regard. And remember, in most bachelor degree programs, you are not required to "declare" or finalize your major until the end of your sophomore year. Don’t get hung up on knowing exactly what you want to study. It’s is not critical to the application process unless you’re applying to highly competitive programs.

Keep Your Options Open

Apply to at least 5-6 schools. It’s important to have options because students don’t always get into their first or even second choice school. Many colleges are waiving their admissions fee if asked, so don’t hesitate to ask for a fee waiver if you need it.

Location

When considering schools, you'll need to determine whether you'd prefer to be in an urban setting, in a small town, or a more rural area. All of these options have their advantages and disadvantages, depending upon your personal preferences. In addition, you'll want to consider the distance from your home in terms of travel arrangements, vacations, and proximity for any personal or family matters.

Campus Visits

Before making a final decision, you should take the time to visit the schools you are considering. Regardless of how helpful most college view books and websites are, until you have a chance to see the campus and visit with faculty, staff and students, you won't get a complete sense of the school, and how it may meet your personal needs. Most colleges offer Open House and other types of visitation programs, weekend visitations, and tours. When arranging your visit, schedule a time to meet with both the admissions staff and the financial aid staff, as well as students, faculty, and coaches, if appropriate.

Academic Standards

Colleges vary considerably in terms of competitiveness and admissions requirements. Before applying to any school, find out the average class standing and admission test scores for students accepted at the colleges of your choice to see how that fits with your own academic profile.

Costs

This factor will probably play a major role in your final decision. However, don't automatically rule out a "private" or "expensive" school based on their listed tuition and fees. If you find a school that fits all of your needs, go through the financial aid process to determine what it will actually cost you and your family to attend this institution. There are many options available to you and you may be surprised that in some cases, your financial aid package at a higher priced school may bring your actual "out of pocket" costs in line with that of a less expensive institution.

Diversity

Examine the diversity -- geographic, racial, and religious -- of the student body at each college and how each community might offer an opportunity to learn more about the world.

Size

How large or small of a school do you want to attend? In considering size, keep in mind that the size of your high school as compared to the colleges your considering. For instance, a "small" school of 2,000 may still seem quite large to a person who graduated from a high school class of 100 or less. Some students function better in small institutions, or in smaller classrooms, while others prefer the anonymity and spectrum of choices generally offered by larger institutions. Visiting the college will help you in making this decision.

Other Things to Consider

Do you want to attend a two-or four-year institution? Do you prefer a co-ed (mixed) or single sex institution? Do you wish to participate in any athletic programs? Do you have any extra-curricular activities in which you’d like to participate (photography, music, volunteerism, etc.).