What College is Right For You?
To find the perfect fit, students must carefully consider what is appealing to them in a college as well as where they will feel most comfortable and excel academically and socially.
One size does not fit all. Colleges range from 45 students in Alaska to over 35,000 students in Wisconsin. What’s best for you - - Where will you fit in - - Which atmosphere allows for the easiest transition to college?
The following points should be reviewed prior to identifying your top ten college choices. Thoughtful consideration of each characteristic should enable you to identify those institutions that will allow for academic excellence as well as personal growth in a comfortable surrounding.
- Size & Location
Size and location may be the two most important attributes in determining your happiness in college. If you grew up in a rural area, or went to a small high school, a college campus of 30,000+ may be too overwhelming. Carefully consider the following questions:
- Do you like a place where everybody knows you or are you okay being lost in a crowd?
- What was the size of your high school? Are you comfortable with this size?
- Are you from a rural or suburban area, with limited exposure to big city life? Or are you eager to experience life in the city?
- Can you adapt to a slower pace in a suburban or rural setting with limited access to city life?
- Do you make friends easily?
- Will the impersonal atmosphere of a large campus make you fell isolated or alone?
- Do you want to have mom do your laundry? Do you get home sick? If so stay close to home. (Hope that mom doesn't move)
- Type
There are two major types of institutions of higher learning: colleges that only provide undergraduate programs and universities that have both undergraduate and graduate programs. Some institutions specialize in a specific area such as engineering or economics. Other schools are noted for their broad educational experiences. Characteristics to consider are:
- Commuter School
- Courses of Study
- Ethnic Diversity
- Part time or evening programs
- Public or Private
- Religious Affiliation
- Single Sex or Coed
Colleges and universities come in all sizes - select the size and location where you will feel most comfortable and at home.
- Cost
Is cost a consideration? If so, do your research. Public schools tend to be less expensive than private. Likewise attending a public school in your state of residence is generally less expensive than attending public schools in another state. All schools offer some type of financial assistance whether scholarships, student loans or work-study programs. Begin the financial aid process as early as possible - - even before you have made a final college selection.
Click here for a link to the government ‘FAFSA’ site - this form is required by all colleges public and private if you are interested in financial aid. - Activities and Special Programs
Have you always wanted to participate in college sports, study abroad, join a fraternity/sorority or be a musician? Make sure the college you choose meets these needs. Other programs to consider are:
- Athletic programs - intramural, club, or NCAA
- Musical programs
- Journalism clubs
- Social clubs
- Religious Clubs
- Military programs
- Site Visit
Once you have narrowed your search and identified your top choices, if at all possible make a visit to the campus. Visits should be made when classes are in session to get the best feel for the college and what life will be like. Call ahead to the admissions department to arrange your visit. Most institutions will accommodate your visit to campus. Remember - this is what they do - - they want to show you around. On your visit, make sure you all your questions are answered so you will have the information you need to make a good decision.
Good luck with your search and decision. There are many factors to consider when choosing a college, but above all don't forget your gut feeling". Sometimes, a college "just feels right’ - - trust your instincts.