4 answers
emerson
Student
Grundy Center, Iowa
3
Questions
Asked
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How do I make sure I choose the best college for me?
I want to attend a college that suits me, and I love so how do I ensure that I pick the right one?
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4 answers
Dharmesh Churiwala
Management Consultant
6
Answers
Kansas City, Missouri
Updated
Dharmesh’s Answer
Hi Emerson! Choosing the best college for you is a big decision, but it becomes easier when you break it down into steps. Here’s how you can ensure you pick a college that suits you and makes you happy:
1. Know Yourself. Start by understanding what you want from a college. Ask yourself:
- Academics: What do I want to study? Does the college offer strong programs in my field?
- Environment: Do I prefer a big university or a small college? Urban, suburban, or rural?
- Social Life: What kind of clubs, sports, or activities am I interested in?
- Support Systems: Do I need resources like tutoring, counseling, or career services?
- Cost: What’s my budget? Am I comfortable with loans, or do I need scholarships/financial aid?
2. Research Schools
- Create a List: Start with 10–15 schools based on your goals and interests.
- Look into Programs: Focus on colleges with strong programs in your field of interest.
- Check Fit: Explore campus size, location, and culture through online resources.
- Attend Events: Participate in virtual or in-person tours, open houses, or Q&A sessions.
3. Visit Campuses (If Possible)
- Walk around to see if you can picture yourself there.
- Sit in on a class (many colleges allow visitors to observe).
- Talk to current students to understand their experience.
4. Compare Financial Aid and Scholarships
- Use tools like the Net Price Calculator on college websites to estimate costs.
- Compare tuition, housing, meal plans, and fees.
- Research scholarships offered by each school and check for work-study options.
5. Consider the Academic Culture
- Class Size: Do you prefer small, discussion-based classes or larger lectures?
- Faculty: Look into professor qualifications and student-to-teacher ratios.
- Advising and Support: Check if they have academic advisors and mentorship programs.
6. Think About Career Preparation
- Look into career services, internship opportunities, and alumni networks.
- Check the school’s job placement rates or graduate school acceptance rates for your field.
7. Trust Your Gut
- After doing research, reflect on which schools excite you the most.
- Imagine yourself living and learning at each college. Does it feel right?
8. Stay Organized
- Create a spreadsheet to compare schools on important factors (academics, cost, location, etc.).
- Keep track of deadlines for applications, scholarships, and financial aid.
9. Talk to People
- Get advice from your school counselor, teachers, or family members.
- Reach out to current students or alumni for insider perspectives.
10. Apply Broadly. Apply to a mix of:
- Safety Schools: Colleges where your acceptance is highly likely.
- Target Schools: Colleges where you meet the average criteria.
- Reach Schools: Colleges where admission is more competitive.
Good luck!
1. Know Yourself. Start by understanding what you want from a college. Ask yourself:
- Academics: What do I want to study? Does the college offer strong programs in my field?
- Environment: Do I prefer a big university or a small college? Urban, suburban, or rural?
- Social Life: What kind of clubs, sports, or activities am I interested in?
- Support Systems: Do I need resources like tutoring, counseling, or career services?
- Cost: What’s my budget? Am I comfortable with loans, or do I need scholarships/financial aid?
2. Research Schools
- Create a List: Start with 10–15 schools based on your goals and interests.
- Look into Programs: Focus on colleges with strong programs in your field of interest.
- Check Fit: Explore campus size, location, and culture through online resources.
- Attend Events: Participate in virtual or in-person tours, open houses, or Q&A sessions.
3. Visit Campuses (If Possible)
- Walk around to see if you can picture yourself there.
- Sit in on a class (many colleges allow visitors to observe).
- Talk to current students to understand their experience.
4. Compare Financial Aid and Scholarships
- Use tools like the Net Price Calculator on college websites to estimate costs.
- Compare tuition, housing, meal plans, and fees.
- Research scholarships offered by each school and check for work-study options.
5. Consider the Academic Culture
- Class Size: Do you prefer small, discussion-based classes or larger lectures?
- Faculty: Look into professor qualifications and student-to-teacher ratios.
- Advising and Support: Check if they have academic advisors and mentorship programs.
6. Think About Career Preparation
- Look into career services, internship opportunities, and alumni networks.
- Check the school’s job placement rates or graduate school acceptance rates for your field.
7. Trust Your Gut
- After doing research, reflect on which schools excite you the most.
- Imagine yourself living and learning at each college. Does it feel right?
8. Stay Organized
- Create a spreadsheet to compare schools on important factors (academics, cost, location, etc.).
- Keep track of deadlines for applications, scholarships, and financial aid.
9. Talk to People
- Get advice from your school counselor, teachers, or family members.
- Reach out to current students or alumni for insider perspectives.
10. Apply Broadly. Apply to a mix of:
- Safety Schools: Colleges where your acceptance is highly likely.
- Target Schools: Colleges where you meet the average criteria.
- Reach Schools: Colleges where admission is more competitive.
Good luck!
Joseph Ford
222
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Great question. I attended several before I finally found the college with the culture that made me feel comfortable. The choice can be very disturbing in some cases and have an affect on your grades and emotions. Visit several colleges of interest depending on what you plan to study. Go through the orientation and walk the campus especially check the student union, library and cafeteria. It can provide some ideal of the culture on the campus.
You can never be perfect when choosing but don't be afraid if you decide to transfer or end up going to multiple colleges to get that degree.
You can never be perfect when choosing but don't be afraid if you decide to transfer or end up going to multiple colleges to get that degree.
Larry Siegel
Government Liaison, Non-profit fundraising, Non-profit operation
45
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Larry’s Answer
Emerson -- the most effective strategy to determine if a college's atmosphere and environment suit you is to personally visit the campus. If possible, try to spend a few days there through a program that accommodates such visits.
A college is multifaceted. It serves as a hub for learning, and its reputation should be a key consideration. Seek advice from your high school counselors and refer to rankings from reputable sources like U.S. News and World Report, and the Wall Street Journal. Additionally, a college is a social hub. By spending time on campus, you'll get a feel for the community and whether you connect with the people there. It's also a hub for various activities, so take note of the non-academic facilities, particularly the student services center.
Lastly, your personal comfort level is crucial. Are you at ease adapting to new environments? Most colleges boast a diverse student body, varied campus settings, and a wide range of faculty members, ensuring that you'll likely find aspects you enjoy. The crucial factor, however, is whether the college provides the academic opportunities necessary for your future growth and success.
A college is multifaceted. It serves as a hub for learning, and its reputation should be a key consideration. Seek advice from your high school counselors and refer to rankings from reputable sources like U.S. News and World Report, and the Wall Street Journal. Additionally, a college is a social hub. By spending time on campus, you'll get a feel for the community and whether you connect with the people there. It's also a hub for various activities, so take note of the non-academic facilities, particularly the student services center.
Lastly, your personal comfort level is crucial. Are you at ease adapting to new environments? Most colleges boast a diverse student body, varied campus settings, and a wide range of faculty members, ensuring that you'll likely find aspects you enjoy. The crucial factor, however, is whether the college provides the academic opportunities necessary for your future growth and success.
Jeiana Lottie
Tutor/Youth Mentor/Human Resources Consultant/Administrative Assistant
28
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Jeiana’s Answer
First off let me congratulate you on even considering going to college, this is a big and wonderful decision on your part because you are thinking ahead and wanting to make sure that your future is set. So, to ensure that you choose the right college just for you here are things to consider:
1. Location- Do you want to go to an institution that is in your state of residence, out-of-state, or online?
2. Size of campus- Do you want to go to a large university or a smaller and more intimate one?
3. Support services- academic and tutoring support, career support, and mental health services.
4. Graduation rate- Always consider checking what this rate is at the colleges of your interests, the average for US colleges is 62.2%.
5. Campus Life- If this is important to you, you should consider the clubs and extracurricular activities that are available there.
6. Cost- If this is an important factor to you, please consider the tuition, fees, and if you're elligible consider applying for the FAFSA (loans, grants, scholarships).
7. Accreditation- This is very important to note when applying to institutions as some employers will not accept any degree from a school that isn't properly accredited. I'd suggest checking the U.S. department of education to find more information on the university's accreditation.
8. Type of institutions: What type of institution do you want to go to; public, private nonprofit, private for-profit.
9. Consider your interests- What are the subjects that you like or the hobbies that you enjoy doing? Do you have a passion for doing something in the world? Consider all of this when choosing a major, as having a major is very imperitive in any institution you'd decided to enroll in. All programs or majors that you decided to choose won't be available at every university.
1. Location- Do you want to go to an institution that is in your state of residence, out-of-state, or online?
2. Size of campus- Do you want to go to a large university or a smaller and more intimate one?
3. Support services- academic and tutoring support, career support, and mental health services.
4. Graduation rate- Always consider checking what this rate is at the colleges of your interests, the average for US colleges is 62.2%.
5. Campus Life- If this is important to you, you should consider the clubs and extracurricular activities that are available there.
6. Cost- If this is an important factor to you, please consider the tuition, fees, and if you're elligible consider applying for the FAFSA (loans, grants, scholarships).
7. Accreditation- This is very important to note when applying to institutions as some employers will not accept any degree from a school that isn't properly accredited. I'd suggest checking the U.S. department of education to find more information on the university's accreditation.
8. Type of institutions: What type of institution do you want to go to; public, private nonprofit, private for-profit.
9. Consider your interests- What are the subjects that you like or the hobbies that you enjoy doing? Do you have a passion for doing something in the world? Consider all of this when choosing a major, as having a major is very imperitive in any institution you'd decided to enroll in. All programs or majors that you decided to choose won't be available at every university.