Many factors are involved in selecting the right college or university that best suits an individual’s needs. Students must consider degree programs, facilities, costs, location, and other issues. Reaching the right decision can lead to a quality education and successful career. The following are recommendations for how to find the right college for you offered by various experts.
Make a List
The first step is to write down all the nearby institutions of higher learning, and perhaps others of interest. Some people do not want to even look at a school that is far away because of financial concerns and other considerations. Going to school close to home saves money due to shorter trips back and forth. If a college is within commuting range, it is possible to avoid room-and-board costs.
That said, a student at a hometown school may not get the full university experience that comes with living on campus. Getting away from parents and old friends forces a person to meet new people and adapt to unfamiliar situations. Students who leave home for the first time must learn how to handle money, shop for groceries, feed themselves and wash their own clothes. Many life lessons are learned on college campuses.
Begin the search early, keeping in mind deadlines for the schools’ admissions applications. The list can be shortened by learning which colleges offer degrees in a student’s chosen field of study. Other schools may be scratched off by deciding whether to attend a small college or large university. A community college will likely feature smaller class sizes and more personalized education. On the other hand, a major university has a wider range of degree programs and activities.
Compare and Rank Colleges
More institutions can be eliminated from consideration by doing additional research. Several organizations compile college-rating lists every year, ranking schools in numerous categories. Tuition and other fees, as well as room-and-board expenses, vary widely. The more expensive colleges are not affordable for many people, though the costs may be offset by scholarships and financial aid.
Students need to know whether they are academically eligible to attend a certain school. Colleges have different requirements for ACT and SAT scores. There also is a range of class sizes and faculty qualifications. Students with special needs, such as a physical disability or learning disorder, need to find institutions with the necessary policies, programs and facilities.
Depending on one’s temperament and career objectives, assessing a respective campus’s environment can be critical in evaluating one’s prospect for eventual success. If, for instance, you are a student who excels in a small classroom oriented almost exclusively around the interchange of dialogue, then a large university predominantly offering lectures to a large population of students; likely wouldn’t be accommodating to your preferred learning outcomes.
Though all universities are different, for the sake of simplicity we can draw a basic contrast between large research-based public institutions and more individualized private or liberal arts colleges. At the former, you can expect all the accoutrement and tradition emanating from a large public institution: world-class professors distinguished in their fields, a vibrant campus setting, a diverse student body, and multifarious campus resources it will be incumbent upon you to access.
At a smaller school, one’s campus will be more circumscribed in scope, classroom settings will be smaller, office hours will be more accessible, and one will likely receive more scrutable and consistent contact with academic support services. Opportunities for recreational activity will still abound, though they will admittedly be more limited.
Broadly analyze yourself and your eventual aims. Some may enjoy the challenge of operating within an expansive academic setting; while others may prefer a more subdued environment. Take personal inventory and make whichever selection amplifies your individual potential.
Housing
Housing is seldom mandatory at an institution of higher learning. Many students, indeed, eventually elect to live off-campus, sharing an apartment with peers or even becoming embroiled in Greek life; rather than grappling with the exorbitant costs of living in university-affiliated dormitories.
Yet, cost aside, living on-campus retains numerous advantages associated with assimilation and convenience. Mollifying anxieties about socialization, proximity to classes, or easy accessibility to study spaces can frequently ameliorate the consequent costs of rent, utilities, and food. Living on-campus also affords students with a greater sense of security and well-being, as security services are often enmeshed within the campus living environment.
When researching institutions, be certain to acquire a comprehensive understanding of your living options and potential living arrangements. Housing tours are generally available at most universities in order to review your potential living spaces. Assess the associated costs, the expected benefits, and determine if your institution meets your living priorities.
Academic Inventory
Most students typically enter college as undeclared majors. Fortunately, the majority of your coursework during your first two years will primarily consist of general education coursework required for the acquisition of your degree. Once you progress beyond your lower-division requirements, most of your upper-division coursework will revolve around your declared major and minor.
Even as a FR, it is important to have a general awareness of what it is you are intent on studying. When selecting the right college, review school publications, identify majors or minors you may ultimately pursue. In some instances, it may be the case that a school you’re interested in does not offer a curriculum you are invested in. Should that scenario arise, it may be prudent to consider either a different academic discipline, or an institution that does not offer the subject matter you are definitively interested in.
Financial Aid Opportunities
Once accepted to a university, you will receive a consequent financial aid offer, based on the information previously submitted by filing a separate document referred to as the FAFSA. If you have been fortunate enough to have been accepted to multiple campuses, you’ll quickly notice distinctions in each financial aid offer. Aid will likely consist of several sources, including need-based grants, scholarships, low-interest federal student loans, as well as work-study opportunities.
Be aware that not all financial aid is created equal. Grants and scholarships, for instance, are essentially philanthropical sums that do not require compensation. Federal and private loans, however, will need to be financed and paid off incrementally over time. Additionally, as you consider which university is most cost-effective, remain mindful of indirect costs associated with your education that might accrue, including books, fees, housing, your food plan, and transportation.
The general rule of thumb is that private universities are far more expensive than public institutions, excepting instances where you have elected to attend an out-of-state public school. While private universities generally have large endowments that can assist in mitigating the overall cost-of-attendance, they nevertheless remain more expensive than their public counterparts. When selecting the right college, incorporate considerations of how much debt you are willing to accumulate; and which college offers the most expedient package for you to graduate without too many financial encumbrances.
Career Opportunities
Aside from the intrinsic value of gaining a credible college education, the primary objective associated with receiving such a credential is the acquisition of a job; which can then ideally be leveraged into a career.
For that reason, it is judicious to explore the networking opportunities available at a respective institution of higher learning. How often are career fairs organized? Are there alumni networks available for you to enhance your career objectives. Is there a career center where you can consult with administrators on effectively enhancing your employment prospects?
Most reputable universities do have career resources available. Be sure to review them, and how you can perhaps harness them, before selecting the right college for you.
Make a Decision
People can rank the colleges on their lists in all of these categories to whittle down the possibilities. Experts advise students to do their own research, rather than relying on schools’ reputations or the recommendations of family and friends. Selecting the right college is an individual choice that no one can make for someone else.
Before reaching a final decision, campus tours are recommended. This step can be time-consuming and involve travel costs, so it should not be taken until only a few schools remain on the list. During the visits, a prospective student should meet administrators and professors, talk to students already enrolled there, and check out the facilities. The social and political climate is a big factor for many people.
For further information on higher education, reference the following articles:
Expert Tips for College Applications
Tips on Managing College Expenses
