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How do I make sure I choose the best college for me?
I want to attend a college that suits me, and I love so how do I ensure that I pick the right one?
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4 answers
Jeiana Lottie
Tutor/Youth Mentor/Human Resources Consultant/Administrative Assistant
28
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Jeiana’s Answer
First off let me congratulate you on even considering going to college, this is a big and wonderful decision on your part because you are thinking ahead and wanting to make sure that your future is set. So, to ensure that you choose the right college just for you here are things to consider:
1. Location- Do you want to go to an institution that is in your state of residence, out-of-state, or online?
2. Size of campus- Do you want to go to a large university or a smaller and more intimate one?
3. Support services- academic and tutoring support, career support, and mental health services.
4. Graduation rate- Always consider checking what this rate is at the colleges of your interests, the average for US colleges is 62.2%.
5. Campus Life- If this is important to you, you should consider the clubs and extracurricular activities that are available there.
6. Cost- If this is an important factor to you, please consider the tuition, fees, and if you're elligible consider applying for the FAFSA (loans, grants, scholarships).
7. Accreditation- This is very important to note when applying to institutions as some employers will not accept any degree from a school that isn't properly accredited. I'd suggest checking the U.S. department of education to find more information on the university's accreditation.
8. Type of institutions: What type of institution do you want to go to; public, private nonprofit, private for-profit.
9. Consider your interests- What are the subjects that you like or the hobbies that you enjoy doing? Do you have a passion for doing something in the world? Consider all of this when choosing a major, as having a major is very imperitive in any institution you'd decided to enroll in. All programs or majors that you decided to choose won't be available at every university.
1. Location- Do you want to go to an institution that is in your state of residence, out-of-state, or online?
2. Size of campus- Do you want to go to a large university or a smaller and more intimate one?
3. Support services- academic and tutoring support, career support, and mental health services.
4. Graduation rate- Always consider checking what this rate is at the colleges of your interests, the average for US colleges is 62.2%.
5. Campus Life- If this is important to you, you should consider the clubs and extracurricular activities that are available there.
6. Cost- If this is an important factor to you, please consider the tuition, fees, and if you're elligible consider applying for the FAFSA (loans, grants, scholarships).
7. Accreditation- This is very important to note when applying to institutions as some employers will not accept any degree from a school that isn't properly accredited. I'd suggest checking the U.S. department of education to find more information on the university's accreditation.
8. Type of institutions: What type of institution do you want to go to; public, private nonprofit, private for-profit.
9. Consider your interests- What are the subjects that you like or the hobbies that you enjoy doing? Do you have a passion for doing something in the world? Consider all of this when choosing a major, as having a major is very imperitive in any institution you'd decided to enroll in. All programs or majors that you decided to choose won't be available at every university.
Updated
Shelia’s Answer
Hi Emerson!
Choosing a college can be a big decision, and there are many factors to consider. Here are some friendly suggestions to help guide your choice:
1. If you're worried about the cost of college, consider in-state colleges as they often have lower tuition fees.
2. Make sure the college you're interested in offers the major you want to study. This way, you can pursue the degree you desire.
3. If you're thinking about living on campus, look for colleges that offer affordable housing and meal plans.
4. If commuting is more your style, local community colleges are a great option for your first year. They're usually closer to home, so you won't have to travel too far. Plus, you can always transfer to a larger college later on, as long as they accept your credits.
5. If you're a football fan, look for colleges with a football program that ticks most of your boxes.
6. If making new friends is important to you, consider the recreational activities offered by the college. They can be a great way to meet new people and expand your social circle.
Choosing a college can be a big decision, and there are many factors to consider. Here are some friendly suggestions to help guide your choice:
1. If you're worried about the cost of college, consider in-state colleges as they often have lower tuition fees.
2. Make sure the college you're interested in offers the major you want to study. This way, you can pursue the degree you desire.
3. If you're thinking about living on campus, look for colleges that offer affordable housing and meal plans.
4. If commuting is more your style, local community colleges are a great option for your first year. They're usually closer to home, so you won't have to travel too far. Plus, you can always transfer to a larger college later on, as long as they accept your credits.
5. If you're a football fan, look for colleges with a football program that ticks most of your boxes.
6. If making new friends is important to you, consider the recreational activities offered by the college. They can be a great way to meet new people and expand your social circle.
Larry Siegel
Government Liaison, Non-profit fundraising, Non-profit operation
30
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Larry’s Answer
Emerson -- the most effective strategy to determine if a college's atmosphere and environment suit you is to personally visit the campus. If possible, try to spend a few days there through a program that accommodates such visits.
A college is multifaceted. It serves as a hub for learning, and its reputation should be a key consideration. Seek advice from your high school counselors and refer to rankings from reputable sources like U.S. News and World Report, and the Wall Street Journal. Additionally, a college is a social hub. By spending time on campus, you'll get a feel for the community and whether you connect with the people there. It's also a hub for various activities, so take note of the non-academic facilities, particularly the student services center.
Lastly, your personal comfort level is crucial. Are you at ease adapting to new environments? Most colleges boast a diverse student body, varied campus settings, and a wide range of faculty members, ensuring that you'll likely find aspects you enjoy. The crucial factor, however, is whether the college provides the academic opportunities necessary for your future growth and success.
A college is multifaceted. It serves as a hub for learning, and its reputation should be a key consideration. Seek advice from your high school counselors and refer to rankings from reputable sources like U.S. News and World Report, and the Wall Street Journal. Additionally, a college is a social hub. By spending time on campus, you'll get a feel for the community and whether you connect with the people there. It's also a hub for various activities, so take note of the non-academic facilities, particularly the student services center.
Lastly, your personal comfort level is crucial. Are you at ease adapting to new environments? Most colleges boast a diverse student body, varied campus settings, and a wide range of faculty members, ensuring that you'll likely find aspects you enjoy. The crucial factor, however, is whether the college provides the academic opportunities necessary for your future growth and success.
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Great question. I attended several before I finally found the college with the culture that made me feel comfortable. The choice can be very disturbing in some cases and have an affect on your grades and emotions. Visit several colleges of interest depending on what you plan to study. Go through the orientation and walk the campus especially check the student union, library and cafeteria. It can provide some ideal of the culture on the campus.
You can never be perfect when choosing but don't be afraid if you decide to transfer or end up going to multiple colleges to get that degree.
You can never be perfect when choosing but don't be afraid if you decide to transfer or end up going to multiple colleges to get that degree.