8 answers
Ingrid
Student
Big Lake, Minnesota
6
Questions
Asked
724 views
How do I know what college to attend?
Hi, more recently I have been looking into college more and I am wondering simply what to look for. I know that looking for a college can be stressful, and I am wondering if there are any minor details that you, or others you know, may have overlooked when choosing the right college. So, I'm wondering what you would recommend are some things I ask when on tours of colleges or things to research before attending a college that is often missed but may be helpful. #college #college-advice #college-selection #college-bound
8 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1590
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Ingrid selecting a college is a process that involves setting certain criteria such as size, academic programs, and student extracurricular programs, and then evaluating colleges against the criteria chosen. The best place to start is by thinking through what you want in a school and start making a list on what's important to you in a college. This way, when you start to research colleges, you'll know exactly what you're looking for. When you're very interested in a particular college, consider planning a visit to tour the campus and/or stay overnight. This can tell you a lot about a school's overall vibe and help you decide if it's the perfect fit for you. It will also allow you to speak with other students and explore campus resources, activities, and facilities.
ACADEMICS – Different schools offer different degree programs. Some specialize in a particular area, such as technology or liberal arts. Some schools are considered more prestigious than others. What is your intended major? Do you plan to minor in anything? What other options have you considered that you'd like to keep open? How prestigious of a school do you think you need to attend? My advice would be to do your research to finding the best college for you, which often isn't the expensive, Ivy League school.
COST – Cost is an important consideration when choosing a college. I've seen students make the mistake of not taking cost into consideration from the beginning of their college planning. They can end up disappointed when they discover that the school they had their heart set on is out of their reach. Consider your expected salary when you graduate and your ability to earn money while you're in school. How much can you reasonably afford? How much student debt seems reasonable, given how much money you expect to make after graduation. Make sure to do your research and get answers to your questions.
LOCATION – Some students continue to live with their families through part or all of college. This can be a great way to save money and maintain family ties. Other students go away to college but stay within a few hours' drive from home. Still others move across the country. What about you? Would you be okay with only seeing your family a few times a year? Or would you be happier a little closer to home? Once you've decided on your location preferences, it can be easier to narrow down those colleges that meet your criteria and find the perfect fit.
2-YEAR VS. 4-YEAR COLLEGES – There are advantages and disadvantages to both. Would you be okay with starting at a 2-year community college, or do you really want to jump straight to a 4-year university. Two-year colleges are a great way to save money on your education, particularly if you're not sure what major you want. You can complete your general education requirements at a community college and then transfer to a 4-year school to focus on courses in your major. On the other hand, 4-year colleges have a unique atmosphere and school spirit. Attending a 4-year school from start to finish offers a valuable life experience, as well as opportunities that may not be available at a 2-year school. Some students feel they would be missing out if they didn't go to a 4-year school.
Hope this helpful Ingrid.
ACADEMICS – Different schools offer different degree programs. Some specialize in a particular area, such as technology or liberal arts. Some schools are considered more prestigious than others. What is your intended major? Do you plan to minor in anything? What other options have you considered that you'd like to keep open? How prestigious of a school do you think you need to attend? My advice would be to do your research to finding the best college for you, which often isn't the expensive, Ivy League school.
COST – Cost is an important consideration when choosing a college. I've seen students make the mistake of not taking cost into consideration from the beginning of their college planning. They can end up disappointed when they discover that the school they had their heart set on is out of their reach. Consider your expected salary when you graduate and your ability to earn money while you're in school. How much can you reasonably afford? How much student debt seems reasonable, given how much money you expect to make after graduation. Make sure to do your research and get answers to your questions.
LOCATION – Some students continue to live with their families through part or all of college. This can be a great way to save money and maintain family ties. Other students go away to college but stay within a few hours' drive from home. Still others move across the country. What about you? Would you be okay with only seeing your family a few times a year? Or would you be happier a little closer to home? Once you've decided on your location preferences, it can be easier to narrow down those colleges that meet your criteria and find the perfect fit.
2-YEAR VS. 4-YEAR COLLEGES – There are advantages and disadvantages to both. Would you be okay with starting at a 2-year community college, or do you really want to jump straight to a 4-year university. Two-year colleges are a great way to save money on your education, particularly if you're not sure what major you want. You can complete your general education requirements at a community college and then transfer to a 4-year school to focus on courses in your major. On the other hand, 4-year colleges have a unique atmosphere and school spirit. Attending a 4-year school from start to finish offers a valuable life experience, as well as opportunities that may not be available at a 2-year school. Some students feel they would be missing out if they didn't go to a 4-year school.
Hope this helpful Ingrid.
Thank you, this was helpful
Ingrid
Kelsey McLoughlin
Strategist, Content + Community
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
Kelsey’s Answer
Oftentimes, we attend college as a means to getting a great job afterwards; but we forget that college is also about developing personally, too. For me, I'm glad I picked a university where I could be myself and felt comfortable enough to grow in both soft and technical skills.
I would ask about activities and societies you think you would be interested in; what the membership process might look like (some schools require you to apply to be in clubs!); what their study abroad programs might look like if that's something you're interested in; how involved most students are on campus; etc.
Especially with the pandemic, it would be important for me to know that there's a sense of community at the school. Making great friends and having professors that supported more (or I could go to with questions) made my college experience a million times better.
And as a reflection some three years later, I think I would now ask or look into what the process of changing majors is like, or even the process of transferring credits. I attended a liberal arts college and it wasn't easy for students to transfer because our curriculum wasn't entirely similar to that of public universities'. It's helpful to know off the bat what your major/minor requirements are and what/how many courses are needed to complete them in a timely fashion.
I would ask about activities and societies you think you would be interested in; what the membership process might look like (some schools require you to apply to be in clubs!); what their study abroad programs might look like if that's something you're interested in; how involved most students are on campus; etc.
Especially with the pandemic, it would be important for me to know that there's a sense of community at the school. Making great friends and having professors that supported more (or I could go to with questions) made my college experience a million times better.
And as a reflection some three years later, I think I would now ask or look into what the process of changing majors is like, or even the process of transferring credits. I attended a liberal arts college and it wasn't easy for students to transfer because our curriculum wasn't entirely similar to that of public universities'. It's helpful to know off the bat what your major/minor requirements are and what/how many courses are needed to complete them in a timely fashion.
Aastha Kumar
Lab Consultant
15
Answers
Piscataway Township, New Jersey
Updated
Aastha’s Answer
Hi! What helped me find the right college for me was a few things. 1: seeing if I liked the program I was enrolling in. Could I see myself doing this for a few years. If not would I be able to switch majors. This takes off some of the pressure on choosing a major! 2: Do i like the environment there? Example is if you see yourself in a big city college or a smaller university. 3: Do I like the teaching methods at the school, clubs, and opportunities?
Best of luck!
Best of luck!
Madi Dunlap
Forensic Consultant
193
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Madi’s Answer
Hi Ingrid,
There are so many factors to consider when choosing a college! Here are some of the ones that I found most important:
1. Distance from home.
2. Total cost of tuition, fees, room and board.
3. The amount of financial aid being offered.
4. The diversity of the students and faculty.
5. The quality of education and reputation of the college.
6. The fields of study being offered.
As we are all different, some factors may be more important to you than the ones that I listed. Ultimately, you should weigh the factors according to your own preferences and desires.
There are so many factors to consider when choosing a college! Here are some of the ones that I found most important:
1. Distance from home.
2. Total cost of tuition, fees, room and board.
3. The amount of financial aid being offered.
4. The diversity of the students and faculty.
5. The quality of education and reputation of the college.
6. The fields of study being offered.
As we are all different, some factors may be more important to you than the ones that I listed. Ultimately, you should weigh the factors according to your own preferences and desires.
Aaron Escamilla
Mining Technology Developer
62
Answers
Gilbert, Arizona
Updated
Aaron’s Answer
When I moved to the US I was told it's all about Harvard and the big ten. I started off in community college and worked my butt off, worked through multiple rejections and finally got accepted to my "dream university." It probably delayed my progress at least two years to finally get accepted there and I don't think it's worth saying which university but it was well "respected" and "prestigious". I ended up transferring schools mid major when I was in college. Why? it ended up that what I wanted to do was not emphasized in their curriculum. None of their professors had the connections or expertise in the industry I wanted to work in (minerals and exploration). They were all focused on oil or glacier/climate change. My professors would tell me that it just means I'll have to also do a PhD in order to get the specialization I wanted (not true). I went to recruiting events for the industry I wanted and they would just say..."your school doesn't specialize in that...what do you know about x,y,z"...the conversation was always short after that as recruiters looked at me empathetically. Many suggested I go to one of their schools of choice instead. Finally, one of my professors finally pulled me into his office and gave me the best advice. He said, "You can stay here, but you'll always be in an uphill battle to prove that you are a right fit for that industry. You'll have to work out the knowledge gaps by yourself that we don't cover in our school. You didn't hear this from me but I think that's just silly. I'll support you if that's how you want to do it BUT I recommend you transfer to x or y school and you won't have to prove yourself and you can actually just focus on learning the right stuff. I will write you a letter of recommendation that will guarantee you get in because those are the actual schools you should have gone to if you really want to work in that industry." It so happened those were the schools the recruiters kept telling me to go to instead but I wanted to stay in the top ten maybe out of pride, misinformation or the fact I had worked so hard to get there. Well...I transferred and got in with my professors support and....I got my first internship in my dream industry within a few weeks just because recruiters knew what I would be learning at that university. I didn't have to prove myself anymore and fight uphill. I was in.
My point is...if you have any idea of what industry you might want to end up in...then base your university research on that. What universities cater to that industry. You can call the department heads or email them at universities and even ask them..."what industries do most your students work in....I'd like to work in x,y,z. Are there classes in your department specific to that?" If you get round about answers and vague answers like...we don't cover that but if you do a PhD anyone will hire you anyways (not true...professors can be a little outdated in the hiring process...ask recruiters instead). You can even reach out to recruiters that work for companies you like and tell them you're trying to decide on a university and you want to end up in that industry and ask them what universities they find most candidates come from. This is where you'll get the best information.
My point is...if you have any idea of what industry you might want to end up in...then base your university research on that. What universities cater to that industry. You can call the department heads or email them at universities and even ask them..."what industries do most your students work in....I'd like to work in x,y,z. Are there classes in your department specific to that?" If you get round about answers and vague answers like...we don't cover that but if you do a PhD anyone will hire you anyways (not true...professors can be a little outdated in the hiring process...ask recruiters instead). You can even reach out to recruiters that work for companies you like and tell them you're trying to decide on a university and you want to end up in that industry and ask them what universities they find most candidates come from. This is where you'll get the best information.
Danielle Palumbo
Associate Representative, Trade Operations
2
Answers
Berkeley Heights, New Jersey
Updated
Danielle’s Answer
Hi Ingrid! Choosing a college is a very exciting time! However, it can feel overwhelming. I suggest you make a list of several things that are important to you and see if your future college checks off those boxes. For example, how far are you willing to travel for college? What major are you leaning towards? Any interest in clubs, sororities? Etc. Also, once you have some colleges in mind, take a tour. Touring a college/university in person will help you decide whether that environment feels like home.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the major you choose does not have to be permanent. I felt very overwhelmed picking a major as a freshman especially since I had interests in many subjects. However, try to pick a major that is interesting to you, or something that you are passionate about and see yourself in that field long term. Speaking from experience, I attended 3 different colleges and switched my major several times. So, it is ok to switch majors however, I wouldn’t recommend switching more than once. It’s best to limit changing majors so that you can graduate on time.
I hope this was helpful and good luck! 😊
Another thing to keep in mind is that the major you choose does not have to be permanent. I felt very overwhelmed picking a major as a freshman especially since I had interests in many subjects. However, try to pick a major that is interesting to you, or something that you are passionate about and see yourself in that field long term. Speaking from experience, I attended 3 different colleges and switched my major several times. So, it is ok to switch majors however, I wouldn’t recommend switching more than once. It’s best to limit changing majors so that you can graduate on time.
I hope this was helpful and good luck! 😊
M A
97
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
M’s Answer
Hi Ingrid! This is a great question, it is so common to feel this way. I believe when choosing a college it is important to look into why you want to go to college, is it to build a strong career, establish a better friend group, have a great social life, and prioritize what is most important to you. Based on this choose your school. If you want to establish a foundation for your career, look into the school that would be providing you with the better resources to do so. If your main priority is to have a better social life, go to the school that's better known for that. Moreover, you mentioned you are going on college tours, this is great, use this time to see if you could truly see yourself on this campus, I have heard many people just know after touring a school which college they want to attend. Hope this helped, wishing you all the best!
Safwan Shahed
Student
36
Answers
New Brunswick, New Jersey
Updated
Safwan’s Answer
A common mistake is not visiting the college. It's really important to visit the college and understand the atmosphere of where you want to attend. If you can, try to go while the school is in session to see the students in their natural environment. Some people take all the research online worrying about statistics and forget that they will have to spend at least 4 years away from home. Make sure to understand what's around and available near the college to like food markets and pharmacies. Figure out everything you value in a campus and make sure you can imagine yourself in the daily struggle of being a student.
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