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How should i start to go about looking at colleges ?
How should i start to go about looking at colleges ?
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7 answers
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Lillie choosing a college can be a very exciting, You’re deciding where you want to spend the next four years of your academic career. Below are some characteristics I think you should be looking for to determine if you're choosing the right college.
CHECK ITS GRADUATION RATE
Consider each school’s graduation rate. If only a small portion of students are completing the full program, there’s bound to be good reason. Any reputable university’s website should provide their graduation rate, the percentage of students who are working in their field of study and those who had a job within six months of graduation. College is expensive and you should come out of it feeling like it was worth your while. If you’ve chosen a more competitive career path, you may want to prioritize colleges with an abundance of career and internship resources that are available.
AFFORDABILITY
Cost is a major factor in the college search. When it comes time to pick a college, you want to make sure the school fits your budget, even after accounting for fees and living expenses. Location may figure prominently in your college search. Location can affect the cost of college substantially. You can typically save thousands by choosing a public, in-state school. On average, in-state tuition costs $17,000 less per year than out-of-state tuition. Location also affects your ability to receive state financial aid, including grants that support state residents. I suggest you should check the most affordable colleges in your state to see how much they can save at a in-state school.
MAJOR FACTOR
You're going to college first and foremost to further your education, so it’s important to pick a school where you feel you’ll succeed academically. The best way to do this is to research the degree programs offered. Even if you don’t have a set idea of what you want to study, make sure the college or university offers a wide variety of majors and minors for when the time to declare comes. Class sizes are also an important academic characteristic to consider. If you're not sure which academic setting is a better fit for you, think about how you prefer to learn.
After taking all of the above into consideration Lillie, ultimately go with what your heart tells you. Think about what school gets you excited about going to college and what school you can’t get out of your head. If one school comes to mind, that’s probably where you’re meant to go.
CHECK ITS GRADUATION RATE
Consider each school’s graduation rate. If only a small portion of students are completing the full program, there’s bound to be good reason. Any reputable university’s website should provide their graduation rate, the percentage of students who are working in their field of study and those who had a job within six months of graduation. College is expensive and you should come out of it feeling like it was worth your while. If you’ve chosen a more competitive career path, you may want to prioritize colleges with an abundance of career and internship resources that are available.
AFFORDABILITY
Cost is a major factor in the college search. When it comes time to pick a college, you want to make sure the school fits your budget, even after accounting for fees and living expenses. Location may figure prominently in your college search. Location can affect the cost of college substantially. You can typically save thousands by choosing a public, in-state school. On average, in-state tuition costs $17,000 less per year than out-of-state tuition. Location also affects your ability to receive state financial aid, including grants that support state residents. I suggest you should check the most affordable colleges in your state to see how much they can save at a in-state school.
MAJOR FACTOR
You're going to college first and foremost to further your education, so it’s important to pick a school where you feel you’ll succeed academically. The best way to do this is to research the degree programs offered. Even if you don’t have a set idea of what you want to study, make sure the college or university offers a wide variety of majors and minors for when the time to declare comes. Class sizes are also an important academic characteristic to consider. If you're not sure which academic setting is a better fit for you, think about how you prefer to learn.
After taking all of the above into consideration Lillie, ultimately go with what your heart tells you. Think about what school gets you excited about going to college and what school you can’t get out of your head. If one school comes to mind, that’s probably where you’re meant to go.
Updated
Julien’s Answer
Hello Lillie,
Firstly, I would recommend exploring programs that pique your interest in schools that cater to your academic and career goals. Connecting with college admissions teams can be a great step forward. They frequently conduct information sessions, providing a comprehensive overview of their institutions. Use these sessions as an opportunity to prepare and ask any questions you have.
Consider factors such as location - whether you'd prefer to stay close to home or venture out of state. Also, take into account the cost of attendance and the opportunities for personal and professional growth. These could include networking events, research initiatives, and club activities among others.
I hope this helps wishing you the very best in your journey.
Firstly, I would recommend exploring programs that pique your interest in schools that cater to your academic and career goals. Connecting with college admissions teams can be a great step forward. They frequently conduct information sessions, providing a comprehensive overview of their institutions. Use these sessions as an opportunity to prepare and ask any questions you have.
Consider factors such as location - whether you'd prefer to stay close to home or venture out of state. Also, take into account the cost of attendance and the opportunities for personal and professional growth. These could include networking events, research initiatives, and club activities among others.
I hope this helps wishing you the very best in your journey.
Updated
Ezra’s Answer
Greetings,
When embarking on your college search, it's crucial to consider your personal preferences and needs. Key elements to contemplate include the size of the institution, its location, the programs it offers, and its graduation rates. These factors will significantly influence your college experience and should align with your aspirations.
If you're drawn to a large-scale, resource-rich environment, a state school or university could be an excellent fit for you. These institutions often boast substantial funding and extensive resources. On the other hand, if you prefer a more intimate setting with increased interaction between students and faculty, a smaller college may be more suitable.
The geographical location of the college is another critical factor, particularly when considering costs. Are you prepared to shoulder the additional expenses associated with attending an out-of-state institution?
Lastly, don't overlook graduation rates when making your selection. Remember, these rates can be influenced by the specific mission of the school. For instance, military colleges often have a high transfer rate, which can negatively impact their overall graduation rate. Make sure to consider all these factors to make an informed decision about which college is the right fit for you.
When embarking on your college search, it's crucial to consider your personal preferences and needs. Key elements to contemplate include the size of the institution, its location, the programs it offers, and its graduation rates. These factors will significantly influence your college experience and should align with your aspirations.
If you're drawn to a large-scale, resource-rich environment, a state school or university could be an excellent fit for you. These institutions often boast substantial funding and extensive resources. On the other hand, if you prefer a more intimate setting with increased interaction between students and faculty, a smaller college may be more suitable.
The geographical location of the college is another critical factor, particularly when considering costs. Are you prepared to shoulder the additional expenses associated with attending an out-of-state institution?
Lastly, don't overlook graduation rates when making your selection. Remember, these rates can be influenced by the specific mission of the school. For instance, military colleges often have a high transfer rate, which can negatively impact their overall graduation rate. Make sure to consider all these factors to make an informed decision about which college is the right fit for you.
Updated
Olayinka’s Answer
Great question Lillie!
1. Do a self assessment of your self and find out your interest (choosing a major)
2. Do a research on colleges that meets your interest - Consider location, ranking, affordability,
3. Attend different college fairs to get a feel of what been a student at such school is like.
4. Check the admission requirements of the schools you like and work towards getting them.
1. Do a self assessment of your self and find out your interest (choosing a major)
2. Do a research on colleges that meets your interest - Consider location, ranking, affordability,
3. Attend different college fairs to get a feel of what been a student at such school is like.
4. Check the admission requirements of the schools you like and work towards getting them.
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question. Firstly, you may need to identify the career you have interest. The relevant subjects in college will be the major and minor you can target. Different colleges have strength in different subjects.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favourites subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
E.g. If you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music producer, music composer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, financial analyst, banker, maths teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue. The relevant subjects will be the major and minor you can focus in the college.
5. Explore the college reviews on these subjects and entry criteria
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favourites subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
E.g. If you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music producer, music composer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, financial analyst, banker, maths teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue. The relevant subjects will be the major and minor you can focus in the college.
5. Explore the college reviews on these subjects and entry criteria
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Updated
James’s Answer
The initial step you should take is to conduct thorough research on your prospective major. Identify which institutions excel in that specific field of study. Subsequently, assess the level of interaction you desire with your professors and other faculty members. If a close-knit relationship is crucial to you, a smaller institution might be more suitable. On the other hand, if this is less significant, a larger university could provide you with more opportunities. The third aspect to consider is the city where the institution is situated. Keep in mind that this place will become your new home, possibly marking your first experience away from family. Ensure that the location will foster your development, both academically and personally.
Updated
Mahi’s Answer
I would begin looking as early as sophomore year so you know what classes to take and then have a final list before your senior year summer that way you can apply august before your senior year starts.