2 answers
Anthony
Student
White Lake charter Township, Michigan
1
Question
Updated
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What should I be looking for in a college? Should I go to college based on scholarships, or interesting opportunities? Are there any programs I should be looking for?
I am looking for conservation based field work opportunities and applying to colleges like Michigan State and the University of Chicago.
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2 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer, TRIO Program Administrator
1009
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
I would go on a campus tour, to determine which college is a right fit. Spend some time on each campus getting to know the geography and where everything is located.
One thing, that I have observed in my career, is students coming to a college without really knowing anything about the campus, its environment, the academic opportunities and advantages that each one offers, or the college campus region.
There are many reasons to attend a specific college, but you should (in my opinion), look at information on campus resources and academic assistance (like tutoring), academic majors, student life and housing, admissions, security and parking, library resources, and other elements of the campus, which can assist you in achieving your college goals.
I have seen students who get lots of financial aid, but the college they are attending does not have the program or resources they need to succeed. As a result they were attending, but were really accomplishing nothing towards completing their degree.
This can be frustrating for many students, because I have observed many of them, who just showed up, stayed for a few days, and then left for good, without completing a degree or a class.
It is best to spend time at the campus, talking with the students, staff, academic advisors, and getting a cognitive map of the region, to determine if it is the right fit for you and your future goals.
Not only does it have to fit you, but it also needs to fit your family, because they are going to go through the experience of having you away from home, and potentially providing you with resources, that you will require in order to achieve your goals on the campus, that you eventually choose to attend.
One thing, that I have observed in my career, is students coming to a college without really knowing anything about the campus, its environment, the academic opportunities and advantages that each one offers, or the college campus region.
There are many reasons to attend a specific college, but you should (in my opinion), look at information on campus resources and academic assistance (like tutoring), academic majors, student life and housing, admissions, security and parking, library resources, and other elements of the campus, which can assist you in achieving your college goals.
I have seen students who get lots of financial aid, but the college they are attending does not have the program or resources they need to succeed. As a result they were attending, but were really accomplishing nothing towards completing their degree.
This can be frustrating for many students, because I have observed many of them, who just showed up, stayed for a few days, and then left for good, without completing a degree or a class.
It is best to spend time at the campus, talking with the students, staff, academic advisors, and getting a cognitive map of the region, to determine if it is the right fit for you and your future goals.
Not only does it have to fit you, but it also needs to fit your family, because they are going to go through the experience of having you away from home, and potentially providing you with resources, that you will require in order to achieve your goals on the campus, that you eventually choose to attend.
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Anthony. Since you're interested in conservation and fieldwork, you might want to find a college that offers strong programs in environmental science, conservation, or similar fields.
First, you need to think about what kind of programs and opportunities the college offers. You want to make sure they have opportunities for hands-on experience, like internships, research projects, or fieldwork. Some colleges have connections to national parks, wildlife reserves, or environmental organizations where students can get real-world experience. These types of opportunities will be really valuable if you're looking to build a career in conservation.
Another important factor is the faculty. Research the professors and see if any specialize in conservation or environmental science. Having experienced professors who can guide you and offer advice is an important part of your education.
While the programs and opportunities are important, don't forget about financial aid and scholarships. College can be expensive, so it's important to consider what kind of financial support each school offers.
You should also think about the location of the college. If you're interested in conservation, it helps to choose a school that's near natural areas like forests or parks. Being in a place with easy access to nature can give you more chances to do fieldwork and get hands-on experience.
First, you need to think about what kind of programs and opportunities the college offers. You want to make sure they have opportunities for hands-on experience, like internships, research projects, or fieldwork. Some colleges have connections to national parks, wildlife reserves, or environmental organizations where students can get real-world experience. These types of opportunities will be really valuable if you're looking to build a career in conservation.
Another important factor is the faculty. Research the professors and see if any specialize in conservation or environmental science. Having experienced professors who can guide you and offer advice is an important part of your education.
While the programs and opportunities are important, don't forget about financial aid and scholarships. College can be expensive, so it's important to consider what kind of financial support each school offers.
You should also think about the location of the college. If you're interested in conservation, it helps to choose a school that's near natural areas like forests or parks. Being in a place with easy access to nature can give you more chances to do fieldwork and get hands-on experience.