Audrey
How do I find a college best suitable for me when i don't know much about different colleges
I grew up alot within the medical dude of things so I've always taken interest in the medical field , when it comes to learning I do best with a hands on approach to things. #college
3 answers
Brandy Herron
Brandy’s Answer
Hi Audrey, My recommendation would be to start with a quick Google Search - best colleges with an nursing program (or whatever it is you would like to specialize in). Then after you have the list of the top schools, I would check out their websites. You can also get additional information on cost, graduation rates, acceptance rates, etc. for each college your are considering when you do your Google search. Good luck and I wish you all the best.
Hunter Honeg
Hunter’s Answer
Academics: degrees offered, class size, faculty (are they recognized? what are their backgrounds), research / lab opportunities, study abroad opportunities
Career: what services does the career center offer? What is the job placement rate of the program(s) you're interested in?
Social: are there clubs/extracurriculars available that interest you? what is the sports / arts scene like? what is dorm life like?
Logistics: location, size, cost, acceptance rate, etc
After you gather your information, you can determine where you think you might fit in best and what will be most beneficial to your college/ professional career. Just remember, college tends to be what you make of it and I'm sure you'll thrive wherever you go!
Trisha Scarcia-King, Ph.D.
Trisha’s Answer
Hello!
I'd like to encourage you to think a bit more about what you enjoy doing and what you enjoy learning more about. You may want to consider specific jobs and what they entail and think a bit more about them and if they interest you, you can then think about colleges that offer programs to prepare you to do that job.
Sometimes, looking at job descriptions and job titles as well as pay scales it may give you an idea of what is needed for that particular role. For example a nursing degree vs. an occupational or physical therapy degree are a bit different educationally.
Another option for you, may be to look at schools that offer various programs. I see that you are in Michigan, there are a lot of excellent colleges and Universities in Michigan. You can go to their web sites to see what academic majors they offer to see what peeks your interest.
Depending on how soon it will be for you to make a decision about college, you may want to go on a few college visits. They are generally free and often are planned in advance to show you what the school has to offer.
The more you think about what you like, what you dislike and what type of life you are looking for …. i.e. do you want to go to College to be a Veterinarian or, do you want to go to college to be a school counselor or run for office in local, national or regional politics for example.
Take some time to look at jobs that seem interesting to you and see what it takes, by looking at the job description, or what programs are offered in your area.
You may also want to know that different colleges and universities will prepare you differently for similar jobs, but it won't really help you until you have a general idea of what you are looking for.
Keep exploring, keep asking questions until things resonate with you. Certainly, talking with people who are doing the work that interests you is also something that I recommend. Now is a great time to explore all your ideas and options!!!