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How do you pick which college to go to?
It's just so hard to choose!
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7 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
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Paul’s Answer
For me, it had to do with several elements.
I always looked at the size of the college. Sometimes bigger was not always better. Especially when it came to class size. If class size was smaller, I usually learned more and the actual professor was in front of the class teaching the course, rather than a teaching assistant.
I also looked at the major I wanted to study. Not all colleges are equal when it comes to majors. Technical colleges tend to be strong in engineering, health sciences, and other STEM subjects. While research universities focus on a variety of subject areas. Otherd might be strong in liberal arts or humanities. These elements influenced my decision.
I also looked at the efficiency of the college. Was it so large that I was considered just another number? Or were they smaller, had good resources and were able to efficiently and effectively assist me with the problems or confusion I was experiencing.
I also looked at the learning environment. Was it a good place to learn? Did they have the library resources I needed to complete assignments? Were there internships available for career options and student life opportunities?
These influences the college choice decisions I made.
I always looked at the size of the college. Sometimes bigger was not always better. Especially when it came to class size. If class size was smaller, I usually learned more and the actual professor was in front of the class teaching the course, rather than a teaching assistant.
I also looked at the major I wanted to study. Not all colleges are equal when it comes to majors. Technical colleges tend to be strong in engineering, health sciences, and other STEM subjects. While research universities focus on a variety of subject areas. Otherd might be strong in liberal arts or humanities. These elements influenced my decision.
I also looked at the efficiency of the college. Was it so large that I was considered just another number? Or were they smaller, had good resources and were able to efficiently and effectively assist me with the problems or confusion I was experiencing.
I also looked at the learning environment. Was it a good place to learn? Did they have the library resources I needed to complete assignments? Were there internships available for career options and student life opportunities?
These influences the college choice decisions I made.
Updated
Chirayu’s Answer
Choosing a college can be a difficult decision, and it's important to take the time to consider your options carefully. Here are some steps that may help you narrow down your choices and make a decision - Consider what factors are most important to you in a college, such as location, size, academic programs, campus culture, extracurricular activities, and cost. Use online resources, college guidebooks, and college websites to learn more about the colleges you're interested in. Pay attention to their academic programs, student services, and overall culture. College fairs can be a great way to meet representatives from different colleges, ask questions, and gather more information. Try to visit the colleges you're considering, if possible. Attend campus tours, sit in on classes, and talk to current students to get a sense of what life is like on campus. Ask friends, family members, and guidance counselors for their opinions and advice. You may also want to reach out to alumni of the colleges you're considering to get their perspective. If you're considering multiple colleges, compare the financial aid packages they offer to see which one will be the most affordable.
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Kelly’s Answer
Ask yourself some personal questions such as how close to home do I want to be/need to be, do I want to go to a school where I already know some people or not, is there a school that I want to go to that has an exceptional program I am interested in? Does cost matter? I would answer these in order to help you decide what makes the most sense for yourself.
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
Great Question Virginia! Couple of thoughts below.
1. I would seriously consider going to a community college. Not only does this save you money but gives you more time to think about where you want to end up. Also, basics are basics and it does not make sense to pay for those type of classes at a university. My first year and a half I took basics at a community college and lived at home to save up money. I was also able to work a part time job and this gave me time to discover that I love business (specially operations) If I had not been given that time to think/keep looking I think I may have gone down the wrong career path.
2. Don't trust those "best university" publications. These magazines do not tell the whole story and could be biased toward certain universities. My suggestion is to visit some universities on their campus days to get a feel. Also, I would take this time to meet with current students to ask what their experience has been like. In my opinion, this is the best way to really find out what university you should attend. I visited universities that I thought would be my top two and ended up hating them by the time I left (one told our group ghost stories on the tour) One of the universities in my bottom three ended up where I attended and I absolutely loved it there! The difference happened during campus days and talking to current students.
3. Picking the right university to attend is important but knowing your career path is much more vital to your long term success. I am not saying all universities are alike but obtaining your degree in a field that interest you is much more vital to your work happiness. I have friends who work in fields completely different than their degree because they ended up hating what they spent 4-8 years learning. I implore you not to make this mistake. Really think about what you want to spend your work life doing and then once you decide go after it! Spend your time thinking about your future career and try to not get hung up on the best/right university
Two books I would suggest to read are below. I hope this helps and good luck on the journey!
Read Dream Big by Bob Goff
Read The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
1. I would seriously consider going to a community college. Not only does this save you money but gives you more time to think about where you want to end up. Also, basics are basics and it does not make sense to pay for those type of classes at a university. My first year and a half I took basics at a community college and lived at home to save up money. I was also able to work a part time job and this gave me time to discover that I love business (specially operations) If I had not been given that time to think/keep looking I think I may have gone down the wrong career path.
2. Don't trust those "best university" publications. These magazines do not tell the whole story and could be biased toward certain universities. My suggestion is to visit some universities on their campus days to get a feel. Also, I would take this time to meet with current students to ask what their experience has been like. In my opinion, this is the best way to really find out what university you should attend. I visited universities that I thought would be my top two and ended up hating them by the time I left (one told our group ghost stories on the tour) One of the universities in my bottom three ended up where I attended and I absolutely loved it there! The difference happened during campus days and talking to current students.
3. Picking the right university to attend is important but knowing your career path is much more vital to your long term success. I am not saying all universities are alike but obtaining your degree in a field that interest you is much more vital to your work happiness. I have friends who work in fields completely different than their degree because they ended up hating what they spent 4-8 years learning. I implore you not to make this mistake. Really think about what you want to spend your work life doing and then once you decide go after it! Spend your time thinking about your future career and try to not get hung up on the best/right university
Two books I would suggest to read are below. I hope this helps and good luck on the journey!
Daniel recommends the following next steps:
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Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. A lot of students may have the same question.
Firstly, you may need to think about what career you would like to pursue in the future before deciding the college.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about your interest, favorite subjects, etc. to identify the related careers.
E.g. If you are interested in Maths, would you like to be an accountant, banker, engineer, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc.
If you are interested in English, would you like to be an writer, translator, English Teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and identify what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the ranking and comments on the relevant subjects of the colleges and explore the entry criteria.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Firstly, you may need to think about what career you would like to pursue in the future before deciding the college.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about your interest, favorite subjects, etc. to identify the related careers.
E.g. If you are interested in Maths, would you like to be an accountant, banker, engineer, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc.
If you are interested in English, would you like to be an writer, translator, English Teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and identify what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the ranking and comments on the relevant subjects of the colleges and explore the entry criteria.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Updated
Christina’s Answer
Something that helped me was seeing what programs I was interested in. I looked at my skills and natural talents, I then realized I loved problem solving and art. So it was either a school for computer science/virtual design or a school for criminal justice. That helped me narrow down which schools I liked and then when I received my acceptance letters it was much easier to make the decision. Also, going to a community college isn't bad either. It allows you to be around professional that have either done the job your interested in or have some insight. This will allow you to get your general credits out of the way and give you time to figure out which college and major you would like to complete.
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Two unromantic, but useful things to look at are cost and employment statistics. Colleges don't lead with these numbers because they're not sexy, but it makes a big difference to your life after graduation. Find out how much it costs and if you'll get any scholarships or aid from the school, make sure you understand how difficult they'll be to keep. How much debt you'll have after school has a big impact on the kinds of jobs you can take when you're done with school.
Also, find the numbers on how many graduates are employed in their field after graduation, what their average income is, and how that works within the specific area you want to study, since it can be very different for different majors and degrees. Don't get suckered by how much fun the campus is unless you're sure you can also get a job afterwards. You can look some of this up, including the Department of Education's College Scorecard - https://collegescorecard.ed.gov
Also, find the numbers on how many graduates are employed in their field after graduation, what their average income is, and how that works within the specific area you want to study, since it can be very different for different majors and degrees. Don't get suckered by how much fun the campus is unless you're sure you can also get a job afterwards. You can look some of this up, including the Department of Education's College Scorecard - https://collegescorecard.ed.gov