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What is a good way to tell what college is best for you?

I'm asking because I have a couple in mind but can't decide which one would be better for me. #college #college-admissions #career #higher-education

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Angie’s Answer

Ask yourself:

Which option is most affordable, offering most scholarships and grants?

Which option has your EMPLOYABLE area of interest?

Which option offers the most internships and has hands-on, real world work experience available in their cirriculum?

Which option offers career services upon graduation?

Choose your college based on the job you will be able to land when you are done. The college you choose is NOT most important, the program you choose is!

Keep in mind many people find their choice wasn’t right for them because they didn’t do enough research ahead of time and/or chose a school based on what friends are doing. Do your homework and you’ll make the right choice!
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Melissa’s Answer

There are a lot o factors that go into selecting a college. I find that visiting the college when it is in session is a good way to determine fit. Talking with students who attend there will give you a feel for the environment. Try to talk to staff in your program as well. Sometimes the most expensive college is not always the best fit and other times the least expensive isn't either. You need to be at a college where you feel you fit in and will enjoy. Make certain the college has the services that are important to you as well. IF you are looking at residential colleges, remember this is where you will be living for the next four years. You have to feel comfortable being there. Also, it is ok to change your mind on your choice of college. I have known many students who were determined to attend college X but when it came down to making a decision college Y turned out to be a better fit. I am sure you will make a good choice as you are taking the right step in asking questions. Best of luck.
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Neha’s Answer

Hi Emma,
I too had the same question when I was considering colleges. From my experience and learning from others, here are a few questions to ask yourself when settling on the 'right' college:
1. Does it have your field of study (what you are interested in doing?) How is that program rated/ranked? What are the stats on graduation rates from that program at that school? Depending on your field of study, it may make a difference if you are at a top rated school.
2. What size would be most comfortable for you (some people prefer larger schools, others want smaller class sizes)
3. Are the fees/rates affordable? And does the school offer any scholarships or funding? (in state schools are typically less than out of state)
4. When you visit campus, do you feel safe? Does the college emphasize safety?
5. Do you think you'd be happy at that college/program for at least 4 years?
6. Is the school more conservative, or more progressive, and groups you'd like to join? (does it match your preferences?)
7. Do you have the ACT/SAT scores to gain admission? Do you feel like you can be successful there? Will it be challenging or too easy?
8. Do you like the city/town where this college is located? A college or university in Chicago will offer a totally different experience and exposure to culture, art, diversity than a college in a small town in a rural or more isolated area.
9. Do family/friends or mentors/teachers have any suggestions? Find out their reasons as well.
10. How do you feel when you visit -- are people friendly? Did you meet anyone from the field/area of interest (professors, administrators, advisors and/or students). Were they friendly? Did any students have any feedback about their experiences?
11. Is it important for you to be close to home - where you can go home frequently or are you okay if you only go home for holidays (if the school is pretty far)?
Lots of questions, but hopefully these provide you with a good start.
Good luck - I'm sure you'll make the best decision for yourself!
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Simeon’s Answer

If you aren't getting a good idea from seeing their website, you could try a few things. Look up YouTube videos of students on campus and get a feel for their campus events, culture, and amenities. You can look up their professors on the "ratemyprofessor" website. You could try to find or make connections on Linkedin and message them for their thoughts. By far, one of the best ways to get to know a campus is to do a campus visit, especially once Covid is under control. See what the class sizes/styles are like. Get a feel for what it is like to spend time on campus. Look around for fliers and posters for information that you wouldn't have been able to find on the website.
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Shani’s Answer

Hi Emma,


As already stated there are many factors that go into this big decision. I did like the solutions previous answers suggested for you. I am going to add on by adding a comparison tool by College Board - https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/compare-colleges

I am a visual person, so having things mapped out for me works well when making decisions. You can create your own comparison table if you'd like.

Also, once you have narrowed it down it really helps to go visit as many times as possible to try to get a feel for the place. This has helped many students decide based on how they are received and welcomed by the faculty and staff.


Best of luck!
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