How to Choose a College
Choosing a college can be a seriously daunting task. It’s a major decision you must make, and like all decisions, practicality and what your heart tells you must go hand-in-hand when deciding which college to go to. Here’s how to get started on that decision-making process.
Practical Matters
Whether you like it or not, college requires a lot of life changes and adjustments for you and for your family. The only thing you can decide on is exactly what you are willing to adjust to or do to go to that college you are considering. Some of these factors are:
The location
The size of the school
The students the college attracts
Campus safety
Accessibility
Class fees
Housing
Meal plans
Financial aid scholarships
Meal plans
Affordability
Affordability is a big issue when choosing a college. Check how to get enrolled in a college’s financial aid program, and how you can apply. Try to see if there are other similar aid services that the college offers. If you are qualified you might even be eligible to get enrolled in a scholarship program.
If getting financial aid is not a viable option for you, try to see if there are work opportunities, and if the college is open to being more flexible to working students.
Calculate the costs of attending the college requires, which includes books, housing, transportation, childcare and activities.
Programs
collegeIf you’re already set on what course you intend on taking in college, then narrowing down your choices will be easier. Review the classes and courses that they offer in the program you are interested in. Some colleges are well-known for specific programs they offer, so you may want to check out the college’s reputation as well.
Learn about the instructors in a college’s programs, and how many instructors they have for the program you’re interested in. Ask if the programs offer hands-on experience, such as internships or volunteer work, among other things.
Learn about the college’s alternative classes, if there are any, such as courses that are online or partly online. Inquire if there are any short-term programs that are available.
Review how scheduling is done in that college and evaluate yourself on how you would adapt to a scheduling. Is it too much? Is it too light? Compare this vis-a-vis with your other activities, such as part-time work, and decide whether you can juggle a heavy load with a job. Check how long it will take for you to finish the program.
Student Life
Check out the campus. Ask permission to sit in one of the classes. Talk to the students, and gauge the student life for yourself. Do they have diversity on campus? What kind of students are in campus, generally speaking? What is the atmosphere of the college? How accessible is it to other places? Do you feel safe walking in the college’s premises?
Make an appointment with the college’s adviser to talk more about your program of choice. Observe if the faculty and administration are friendly and accommodating to their students, and how answers are quickly and honestly answered.
Discuss
Ask your friends, family, high school and college career counselors for advice. While choosing a college is an important step, remember that it’s not fixed in stone. You can always transfer out of the college whenever you wish. Don’t be afraid to ask from different people. Remember, college is a big step, but if it’s not for you, you can always transfer somewhere else.