6 answers
zak
Student
Fremont, California
2
Questions
Asked
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How to decide which college is the best?
I want to know which college is the best for me but want other people's opinions. I am 16 in 11th grade.
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6 answers
Hiram Chu
High School College Counselor
11
Answers
Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
Updated
Hiram’s Answer
Hey Zak, I've worked with many high school students who have asked the same question, but, unfortunately, many have decided that "best" means "highest ranking/prestige." I am here to say that I actually recommend students to consider best to actually mean "best fit for me as a specific student" based on a simple "fit checklist":
1. Academic/program fit
Beyond the specific major you're aiming for, look into whether the specific department strong, are there professors doing work you care about, what interesting classes are offered, what's the actual course flexibility if you decide to switch majors, and how difficult the academic pace is.
2. Outcomes fit
Also research where do graduates in your intended field actually end up, such as graduate school admit %, specific employers, and research placements. Career services quality and alumni network density in your target industry/region matter more than overall brand name of a college when finding a job.
3. Financial fit
The cost of your college degree can be confusing, so focus on the net cost after aid, not general pricing. Look specifically at 4-5 years of net cost vs debt you may take on (if any) vs early-career earnings in your career field.
4. Environment fit
Factors such as size, location, urban/suburban/rural, climate, social scene, and campus culture are often overlooked by students when choosing a college. That means a student who thrives with anonymity in a huge research university can be miserable at a small tight-knit LAC, and vice versa, so be clear about whether a college's environment fits you.
5. Growth fit
Consider whether a college will challenge you with supportive peers who raise the bar without making you feel invisible. For example, if you end up going to a college where the average student's academics are much higher than yours, will you be able to keep up in (and out) of the classroom?
Rank which of the five "fits" matters most to you before looking into different colleges, then you'll have a better understanding of which colleges fit you and why (or why not).
1. Academic/program fit
Beyond the specific major you're aiming for, look into whether the specific department strong, are there professors doing work you care about, what interesting classes are offered, what's the actual course flexibility if you decide to switch majors, and how difficult the academic pace is.
2. Outcomes fit
Also research where do graduates in your intended field actually end up, such as graduate school admit %, specific employers, and research placements. Career services quality and alumni network density in your target industry/region matter more than overall brand name of a college when finding a job.
3. Financial fit
The cost of your college degree can be confusing, so focus on the net cost after aid, not general pricing. Look specifically at 4-5 years of net cost vs debt you may take on (if any) vs early-career earnings in your career field.
4. Environment fit
Factors such as size, location, urban/suburban/rural, climate, social scene, and campus culture are often overlooked by students when choosing a college. That means a student who thrives with anonymity in a huge research university can be miserable at a small tight-knit LAC, and vice versa, so be clear about whether a college's environment fits you.
5. Growth fit
Consider whether a college will challenge you with supportive peers who raise the bar without making you feel invisible. For example, if you end up going to a college where the average student's academics are much higher than yours, will you be able to keep up in (and out) of the classroom?
Rank which of the five "fits" matters most to you before looking into different colleges, then you'll have a better understanding of which colleges fit you and why (or why not).
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2769
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Different college have strength on different subjects. Firstly, you need to find what careers you have interest.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, eg your hobbies, favorite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
Eg if you like music, would you.lije to be a musician, musician artist, singer, music composer, music producer, etc.
If you have interest in Maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, 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 careers counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Do research on college review of relevant subjects and find out entry criteria
Hope thus helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, eg your hobbies, favorite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
Eg if you like music, would you.lije to be a musician, musician artist, singer, music composer, music producer, etc.
If you have interest in Maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, 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 careers counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Do research on college review of relevant subjects and find out entry criteria
Hope thus helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Danielle Stevens
Procurement
3
Answers
St. Louis, MO
Updated
Danielle’s Answer
Start your research early! If you are able to do campus tours/or even overnight stays, do that with your short list of schools. It will give you a real opportunity to see what life will be like at that college. Make a list of what is most important to you in your college experience, from an academic financial, and social perspective. Use that list to narrow it down to the colleges that fit best with your list, then visit and ask all the questions! You can also reach out to alumni from that university to ask about their experience.
Best of luck to you!
Best of luck to you!
Brandon Dang
249
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Brandon ’s Answer
It depends what it is you are trying to do. Different colleges will specialize in different areas, while some may be good at some areas, it could be lacking compared to the next college. You will have to do research in order to see what you want from the college and what your particular unique goals are to making a step into a career.
Heather W
Healthcare
4
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Heather’s Answer
You are the absolute best person to decide what college is best for you. Start early, visit the campuses, talk with the current students in what you want to be your field of study. Keep a log of your feelings and thoughts so when the time comes you are able to go back and review your notes to narrow down to your top 3. Once you have done that you are able to get specific with financial aid (if needed) and what is needed to graduate from that program with that school
Samantha Metcalf
Sales
11
Answers
Needham, Massachusetts
Updated
Samantha’s Answer
One of my biggest pieces of advice is to go a step further than just touring the schools you’re interested in! If you have a friend or family member who attends, see if you can spend a day or weekend with them. That can give you a much better feel for what everyday life is actually like there.
You can also use LinkedIn to set up quick “coffee chats” with current students who are studying a major you’re interested in. Ask them what they like, what they wish they knew before choosing the school, and what their experience has actually been like.
Also think about the kind of social life you want! Do you want a big sports culture? Greek life? A city environment? A smaller campus where everyone knows each other? Academics are obviously important, but you’re also choosing where you’ll be living and building your life for the next four years. Try to picture where you can genuinely see yourself being happy and getting involved!
You can also use LinkedIn to set up quick “coffee chats” with current students who are studying a major you’re interested in. Ask them what they like, what they wish they knew before choosing the school, and what their experience has actually been like.
Also think about the kind of social life you want! Do you want a big sports culture? Greek life? A city environment? A smaller campus where everyone knows each other? Academics are obviously important, but you’re also choosing where you’ll be living and building your life for the next four years. Try to picture where you can genuinely see yourself being happy and getting involved!