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What should I consider when I choose a college?
I am starting to look into colleges and I'm not sure if i should focus on environment of the place or the quality of education I would get.
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Melissa J.’s Answer
Hello Student,
Great question! You are already on the path to success by posting here.
From my point of view, there are many things to consider when choosing a college. To avoid any anxiousness or overwhelm, I would suggest focusing first on these three critical factors:
Cost: The average cost to attend college is rising every year. Many of these fees don’t include additional requirements for college such as books, supplies and daily living expenses. To graduate college debt free, consider how you will fund your education. What scholarships can be secured For your field of interest, can you attend a two-year community college first, and then transfer out to a larger university? Better yet, are there any local community college programs that bridge you to the university of choice? Many of these programs are designed to reduce cost and maximize your experience. Check it out!
Location: We all grew up differently. For some, entering into the college stage of life was the first opportunity for complete independence. How would you feel if you moved out of state? Moved away from familiar surroundings? Moved away from family? Did you grow up in the city? If so, would you be ok going to school in a rural environment? Or vice-versa? Consider it.
Your Interest: We live in a world where there is so much choice, I get it. Have you considered how you want to contribute to the world? Not just what you want to “do” at work, but what impact do you want to have? What are your core values? Beliefs? Can you name them? This is important because you will absolutely need a support system around you when you go to college. Outside of your family, you will develop relationships with your college buddies that last a lifetime. Aligning yourself with a school that specializes in your area of interest/major, has a value system that aligns with yours and is filled with people who align to those similar ways of thinking (or even different ways of seeing the world, actually) helps to accelerate your personal, academic and professional growth in an exponential way!
Every school has the core items: professors, students, opportunities to learn and grow. However, there is one out there that is just for you! The only way you will know is if you are clear about (either) who you are or who you aspire to be. Dream big - we need you! I hope this helps a bit. Much success to you!
Great question! You are already on the path to success by posting here.
From my point of view, there are many things to consider when choosing a college. To avoid any anxiousness or overwhelm, I would suggest focusing first on these three critical factors:
Cost: The average cost to attend college is rising every year. Many of these fees don’t include additional requirements for college such as books, supplies and daily living expenses. To graduate college debt free, consider how you will fund your education. What scholarships can be secured For your field of interest, can you attend a two-year community college first, and then transfer out to a larger university? Better yet, are there any local community college programs that bridge you to the university of choice? Many of these programs are designed to reduce cost and maximize your experience. Check it out!
Location: We all grew up differently. For some, entering into the college stage of life was the first opportunity for complete independence. How would you feel if you moved out of state? Moved away from familiar surroundings? Moved away from family? Did you grow up in the city? If so, would you be ok going to school in a rural environment? Or vice-versa? Consider it.
Your Interest: We live in a world where there is so much choice, I get it. Have you considered how you want to contribute to the world? Not just what you want to “do” at work, but what impact do you want to have? What are your core values? Beliefs? Can you name them? This is important because you will absolutely need a support system around you when you go to college. Outside of your family, you will develop relationships with your college buddies that last a lifetime. Aligning yourself with a school that specializes in your area of interest/major, has a value system that aligns with yours and is filled with people who align to those similar ways of thinking (or even different ways of seeing the world, actually) helps to accelerate your personal, academic and professional growth in an exponential way!
Every school has the core items: professors, students, opportunities to learn and grow. However, there is one out there that is just for you! The only way you will know is if you are clear about (either) who you are or who you aspire to be. Dream big - we need you! I hope this helps a bit. Much success to you!
Updated
Grant’s Answer
Choosing a college is a big step. There are a lot of factors, including the following.
* Cost - not just of the courses, but of living. If you are not going to a college close enough to commute to, I recommend moving into a Dorm for the first year, as that will control the costs. You can always move out either to a frat/sorority house, or to another shared living space. I do recommend the shared space, as it will help reduce your isolation. OTOH, if you are a party animal, it may aggravate that tendency (think "Animal House").
* Cost 2 - Wherever you want to go, there will be scholarships, stipends, grants, and other forms of financial assistance. RESEARCH them! Some are really ordinary, and some can be really strange. ("Left-handed Jewish Baseball pitcher studying engineering" was one I remember). Consider Fraternal organizations such as Odd Fellows, Elks, Masons, and even groups like the local civic league.
* What you want to study. I will say that unless you are absolutely bound and determined to go to a top-tier school, once you are in the workplace, where you graduated from is progressively less important. Relating to costs, also look at going to a Community College for your first year and get a lot of the required courses out of the way. Why spend $2000 for 3 credit hours on something that you have little interest in, when you can get that done at the CC for $500. IMPORTANT: Do check and see which course credits are transferable.
* What you want to study #2. Many people go to college/university with an end goal that is determined by their family, or by stories they have heard about a particular career, only to find that they either don't care about the field, or they don't have the chops for it, or they find something that they didn't even know existed as a possibility before they got there. It's OK to change your major. It's also OK to have your major the thing you think you ought to do, and make your minor what you have a passion for.
* Where you want to study. Look at the various rankings, and use those to rule out schools. Build out a chart (excel or post-its on a white board, it doesn't matter) that lists your "have to have", "nice to have", "don't care", and "definitely don't want" features of the schools. Use this to filter. Be honest about your choices, as you will have to live with them.
* Cost - not just of the courses, but of living. If you are not going to a college close enough to commute to, I recommend moving into a Dorm for the first year, as that will control the costs. You can always move out either to a frat/sorority house, or to another shared living space. I do recommend the shared space, as it will help reduce your isolation. OTOH, if you are a party animal, it may aggravate that tendency (think "Animal House").
* Cost 2 - Wherever you want to go, there will be scholarships, stipends, grants, and other forms of financial assistance. RESEARCH them! Some are really ordinary, and some can be really strange. ("Left-handed Jewish Baseball pitcher studying engineering" was one I remember). Consider Fraternal organizations such as Odd Fellows, Elks, Masons, and even groups like the local civic league.
* What you want to study. I will say that unless you are absolutely bound and determined to go to a top-tier school, once you are in the workplace, where you graduated from is progressively less important. Relating to costs, also look at going to a Community College for your first year and get a lot of the required courses out of the way. Why spend $2000 for 3 credit hours on something that you have little interest in, when you can get that done at the CC for $500. IMPORTANT: Do check and see which course credits are transferable.
* What you want to study #2. Many people go to college/university with an end goal that is determined by their family, or by stories they have heard about a particular career, only to find that they either don't care about the field, or they don't have the chops for it, or they find something that they didn't even know existed as a possibility before they got there. It's OK to change your major. It's also OK to have your major the thing you think you ought to do, and make your minor what you have a passion for.
* Where you want to study. Look at the various rankings, and use those to rule out schools. Build out a chart (excel or post-its on a white board, it doesn't matter) that lists your "have to have", "nice to have", "don't care", and "definitely don't want" features of the schools. Use this to filter. Be honest about your choices, as you will have to live with them.
Updated
Migdalys’s Answer
Hi Rene,
It's nice to e-meet you!
I believe it's important to consider both factors - the environment and quality of education. Personal and professional growth also takes place outside of the classroom, you want to set yourself up for success by ensuring the college's environment and education system is aligned to your values and extracurricular interests.
Hope this helps!
It's nice to e-meet you!
I believe it's important to consider both factors - the environment and quality of education. Personal and professional growth also takes place outside of the classroom, you want to set yourself up for success by ensuring the college's environment and education system is aligned to your values and extracurricular interests.
Hope this helps!
Updated
Eric’s Answer
Choosing a college can be a significant decision, and there are several factors that you should consider to help you make the right choice. Here are some key considerations:
Academic Programs: Consider the academic programs and courses offered by the college. Look at the majors and minors available and see if they align with your interests and career goals.
Location: The location of the college can impact your experience. Consider factors such as weather, accessibility, safety, and proximity to family and friends.
Campus Culture: Look at the college's campus culture, including student activities, social events, and extracurricular opportunities. You should also consider the demographics of the student body and the level of diversity.
Size: The size of the college can impact your experience. Consider factors such as class size, student-faculty ratio, and campus community.
Cost and Financial Aid: Look at the cost of attending the college, including tuition, fees, room and board, and other expenses. Consider the availability of financial aid and scholarships to help cover costs.
Career Services: Consider the college's career services and the resources available to help students with job placement and internships.
Reputation: Look at the college's reputation, including its academic standing, faculty, and alumni network.
Ultimately, the choice of college depends on your personal preferences and goals. It is essential to research and visit multiple schools to determine which college is the best fit for you.
Academic Programs: Consider the academic programs and courses offered by the college. Look at the majors and minors available and see if they align with your interests and career goals.
Location: The location of the college can impact your experience. Consider factors such as weather, accessibility, safety, and proximity to family and friends.
Campus Culture: Look at the college's campus culture, including student activities, social events, and extracurricular opportunities. You should also consider the demographics of the student body and the level of diversity.
Size: The size of the college can impact your experience. Consider factors such as class size, student-faculty ratio, and campus community.
Cost and Financial Aid: Look at the cost of attending the college, including tuition, fees, room and board, and other expenses. Consider the availability of financial aid and scholarships to help cover costs.
Career Services: Consider the college's career services and the resources available to help students with job placement and internships.
Reputation: Look at the college's reputation, including its academic standing, faculty, and alumni network.
Ultimately, the choice of college depends on your personal preferences and goals. It is essential to research and visit multiple schools to determine which college is the best fit for you.
Updated
Cassidy’s Answer
I would focus on both. Be picky when choosing where you are going to potentially spend the next four years of your life. The environment is essential to enjoying your time on campus, but also getting a good quality education will carry with you into your career and your life.
Updated
Greta’s Answer
Great question! I recommend considering all factors when choosing a college, but for me, I prioritized the people and the educational quality of the school. I didn't focus as much on location or cost (although most of my options were relatively similar in terms of financial aid), and instead toured the schools and interacted directly with students. I think that people truly are the most important part of a school, and college is about so much more than attending classes. College is where I have met some of my best friends and been exposed to so many amazing extracurricular opportunities. So I would say, in general, focus on finding a college that just feels right (like "home" some people may say, I know, kind of cliche), and the rest will fall into place.
Updated
Christina’s Answer
Hi Rene,
Something that helped me was making sure I had a college I could afford. The last thing you want is to pay so much more money for the same education you could get in another school. I have heard going to a community college to start off is really helpful. Some may frown upon it, but you can take your core classes for much cheaper and as you are figuring out your major and what really interests you, it will allow you to ask professors about the best schools, environment and education that will match your interested in.
Something that helped me was making sure I had a college I could afford. The last thing you want is to pay so much more money for the same education you could get in another school. I have heard going to a community college to start off is really helpful. Some may frown upon it, but you can take your core classes for much cheaper and as you are figuring out your major and what really interests you, it will allow you to ask professors about the best schools, environment and education that will match your interested in.