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What should I look for when creating my college list? #spring23
I know that I need to look for dream schools and safe schools but what makes a university/college good? What type of things should I look for other than the majors they offer. #spring23
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3 answers
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Mary-Ann’s Answer
Great question! It's fantastic that you’re already thinking about your major, which shows you’re on the right track. As you explore schools, remember to consider how well they perform in your chosen field and their job placement success.
Think about what really matters to you. Here are some key points to consider:
1. Location: Do you prefer a rural area, a bustling city, or something in between?
2. Social life: Is an active Greek life important? Do you want entertainment options nearby? How crucial is it to have amenities within walking distance?
3. Housing: Would you rather live on-campus or off-campus? Does the school require freshmen to live on campus, and do they guarantee housing?
4. Sports: How much do sports matter to you? Are you interested in attending games or being part of a sports culture?
5. Support system: Does the school provide resources for mental health and other needs?
6. Safety: What is the school's reputation for safety?
7. Weather: Are you open to experiencing a new climate?
8. Career readiness: How effective is the school’s career placement office? Do they offer resources like interview prep and job expos? What are their job placement rates after graduation?
Wishing you the best as you create your list. Aim for 9-12 schools, balancing between Likely, Probable, and Reach options. You’ve got this!
Think about what really matters to you. Here are some key points to consider:
1. Location: Do you prefer a rural area, a bustling city, or something in between?
2. Social life: Is an active Greek life important? Do you want entertainment options nearby? How crucial is it to have amenities within walking distance?
3. Housing: Would you rather live on-campus or off-campus? Does the school require freshmen to live on campus, and do they guarantee housing?
4. Sports: How much do sports matter to you? Are you interested in attending games or being part of a sports culture?
5. Support system: Does the school provide resources for mental health and other needs?
6. Safety: What is the school's reputation for safety?
7. Weather: Are you open to experiencing a new climate?
8. Career readiness: How effective is the school’s career placement office? Do they offer resources like interview prep and job expos? What are their job placement rates after graduation?
Wishing you the best as you create your list. Aim for 9-12 schools, balancing between Likely, Probable, and Reach options. You’ve got this!
Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action!
Kathleen
Updated
Madhanegha’s Answer
Hi, I appreciate your question—thank you for asking
When building your college list, it’s important to think beyond just dream and safety schools—focus on finding the right fit for you. A good college isn’t just defined by rankings or name recognition; it’s about how well it supports your academic goals, personal growth, and future success. Here are several key factors to consider:
Academic Environment: Beyond the availability of your intended major, explore class sizes, faculty-to-student ratios, opportunities for undergraduate research, academic support services, and the overall curriculum structure.
Campus Culture: Visit campuses if possible or take virtual tours. Pay attention to student organizations, diversity, social life, and overall atmosphere. Ask yourself: Can I see myself thriving here?
Location: Consider whether you’d prefer an urban, suburban, or rural setting. Also think about proximity to home, climate, access to internships or job opportunities, and local cost of living.
Cost and Financial Aid: Look at tuition, housing, fees, and available scholarships or financial aid packages. A school that offers generous aid or merit-based scholarships might be more realistic than its sticker price suggests.
Career Support and Outcomes: Research job placement rates, internships, alumni networks, and whether the college has strong ties to industries or companies you're interested in.
Housing and Campus Facilities: Comfortable and safe living arrangements, modern classrooms, labs, libraries, and other amenities can make a big difference in your college experience.
Support Services: Look into counseling, academic advising, career services, and support for first-generation or underrepresented students.
Aim to build a balanced list of schools that vary in selectivity, but all offer a strong match for your goals and personality. Choose schools where you can grow academically, socially, and professionally.
When building your college list, it’s important to think beyond just dream and safety schools—focus on finding the right fit for you. A good college isn’t just defined by rankings or name recognition; it’s about how well it supports your academic goals, personal growth, and future success. Here are several key factors to consider:
Academic Environment: Beyond the availability of your intended major, explore class sizes, faculty-to-student ratios, opportunities for undergraduate research, academic support services, and the overall curriculum structure.
Campus Culture: Visit campuses if possible or take virtual tours. Pay attention to student organizations, diversity, social life, and overall atmosphere. Ask yourself: Can I see myself thriving here?
Location: Consider whether you’d prefer an urban, suburban, or rural setting. Also think about proximity to home, climate, access to internships or job opportunities, and local cost of living.
Cost and Financial Aid: Look at tuition, housing, fees, and available scholarships or financial aid packages. A school that offers generous aid or merit-based scholarships might be more realistic than its sticker price suggests.
Career Support and Outcomes: Research job placement rates, internships, alumni networks, and whether the college has strong ties to industries or companies you're interested in.
Housing and Campus Facilities: Comfortable and safe living arrangements, modern classrooms, labs, libraries, and other amenities can make a big difference in your college experience.
Support Services: Look into counseling, academic advising, career services, and support for first-generation or underrepresented students.
Aim to build a balanced list of schools that vary in selectivity, but all offer a strong match for your goals and personality. Choose schools where you can grow academically, socially, and professionally.
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Hi, thank you for your question. Have you thought about what career you have interest? Different colleges have strengths in different subjects. You can explore more on the relevant subjects related to the career you have interest.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest, eg your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
Eg if you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc
If you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, 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 counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. The relevant subjects are the major and minor you can explore further. Explore the college reviews on these subjects and find out the entry criteria
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest, eg your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
Eg if you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc
If you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, 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 counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. The relevant subjects are the major and minor you can explore further. Explore the college reviews on these subjects and find out the entry criteria
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Thank you so much for the advice.
Kathleen