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Is it always a good idea to apply to a Private University even if it may cost more or less than a Public University?

Applying to a Private University versus Public University. #college

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Ken’s Answer

It really does not matter where you go to school The important things are how well you do to get the best grades and how well you do to create interpersonal networking relations to facilitate your movement along your education/career path.


Getting to know yourself and how your personality traits relate to people involved in various career opportunities is very important in your decision making process. During my many years in Human Resources and College Recruiting, I ran across too many students who had skipped this very important step and ended up in a job situation which for which they were not well suited. Selecting a career area is like buying a pair of shoes. First you have to be properly fitted for the correct size, and then you need to try on and walk in the various shoe options to determine which is fits the best and is most comfortable for you to wear. Following are some important steps which I developed during my career which have been helpful to many .


Here is a helpful video about college choice: ## http://www.ted.com/talks/julie_lythcott_haims_how_to_raise_successful_kids_without_over_parenting?utm_campaign=social&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_content=talk&utm_term=education

Ken recommends the following next steps:

The first step is to take an interest and aptitude test and have it interpreted by your school counselor to see if you share the personality traits necessary to enter the field. You might want to do this again upon entry into college, as the interpretation might differ slightly due to the course offering of the school. However, do not wait until entering college, as the information from the test will help to determine the courses that you take in high school. Too many students, due to poor planning, end up paying for courses in college which they could have taken for free in high school.
Next, when you have the results of the testing, talk to the person at your high school and college who tracks and works with graduates to arrange to talk to, visit, and possibly shadow people doing what you think that you might want to do, so that you can get know what they are doing and how they got there. Here are some tips: ## http://www.wikihow.com/Network ## ## https://www.themuse.com/advice/nonawkward-ways-to-start-and-end-networking-conversations ## ## https://www.themuse.com/advice/4-questions-to-ask-your-network-besides-can-you-get-me-a-job?ref=carousel-slide-1 ##
Locate and attend meetings of professional associations to which people who are doing what you think that you want to do belong, so that you can get their advice. These associations may offer or know of intern, coop, shadowing, and scholarship opportunities. These associations are the means whereby the professionals keep abreast of their career area following college and advance in their career. You can locate them by asking your school academic advisor, favorite teachers, and the reference librarian at your local library. Here are some tips: ## https://www.careeronestop.org/BusinessCenter/Toolkit/find-professional-associations.aspx?&frd=true ## ## https://www.themuse.com/advice/9-tips-for-navigating-your-first-networking-event ##
• It is very important to express your appreciation to those who help you along the way to be able to continue to receive helpful information and to create important networking contacts along the way. Here are some good tips: ## https://www.themuse.com/advice/the-informational-interview-thank-you-note-smart-people-know-to-send?ref=recently-published-2 ## ## https://www.themuse.com/advice/3-tips-for-writing-a-thank-you-note-thatll-make-you-look-like-the-best-candidate-alive?bsft_eid=7e230cba-a92f-4ec7-8ca3-2f50c8fc9c3c&bsft_pid=d08b95c2-bc8f-4eae-8618-d0826841a284&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=daily_20171020&utm_source=blueshift&utm_content=daily_20171020&bsft_clkid=edfe52ae-9e40-4d90-8e6a-e0bb76116570&bsft_uid=54658fa1-0090-41fd-b88c-20a86c513a6c&bsft_mid=214115cb-cca2-4aec-aa86-92a31d371185&bsft_pp=2 ##
Here are some helpful hints on reducing college costs. Too many people spend too much money and needlessly pile up very high college debt: ## http://www.educationplanner.org/students/paying-for-school/ways-to-pay/reduce-college-costs.shtml ##
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Nicole’s Answer

Hi Kenneth C R. I see that you posted this question a little while ago so I hope my answer to you (or others who may read this response) is still helpful.

To add a bit to Roger's awesome answer, my experience with applying to private schools is that they tend to be in a different position from public schools in their ability to adjust their financial aid packages based on student need. My experience has been that private schools can do more to financially support students who have the grades and are participating in a curriculum that the private school teaches well and that is in high demand.

More generally, it is a good idea to apply to any university, public or private, where you think you will thrive. Reputable schools want students to be a part of their college community especially those students that can and do contribute to the vibrancy of that college community.

I agree that some private schools can blow some public schools out of the water in terms of the financial support they can provide. As with any other project, your research on what schools will serve you best on costs starts with giving yourself enough time to compare and contrast and should include asking questions (and getting clear answers) about how the schools you apply to will help you along your growth journey without stacking up unmanageable piles of debt.

Hope you find this answer helpful and best of luck to you!
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Roger’s Answer

Yes !! Oh gosh yes. Many times private universities can be much less expensive than a public school. As a former high school “college and counselor” I have seen high school students who have gone to private colleges get a far-better financial package compared to state colleges. And, in particular, low income students/ families can receive VERY generous tuition / room-board / books assistance that a public university does not dole out.
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