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HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT COLLEGE

Deciding where you want to go to college not only extremely personal, but is often one of the most stressful decisions that students and their families have to make. So, in an effort to help alleviate the process, we have mapped out a path that will assist you in choosing the college for you. Just so you know, it's best to start this process as early as possible. We highly recommend starting in your junior year of high school, while some experts say you should start even earlier.

YOUR MAJOR

What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses? What kind of skills do you have? These are very important questions to ask when it comes to deciding your major should be when choosing a college. Knowing what you would like to major in will greatly narrow your list in college choices as you search for schools that provide your intended major. However, note that many students enter college as "undecided," but if you have some idea of a career or a major, it will greatly help in finding colleges that offer or specialize in that field.

LOGISTICS

Are you the type of person that feels a sense of loneliness if you are away from your family for too long? If so, then you will probably want to attend a college that is closer to home. If you like smaller class sizes, then you will probably want to attend a college instead of a university. These and other criteria will have to be considered when deciding on which school to attend, if you are going to make the most of your college experience. Below are other considerations you should have on your checklist. • Rural or Urban setting • Student Population • Public vs. Private • Costs (tuition, room and board, etc.) • Financial Assistance Packages • Campus Resources • Graduation Rate/Time • Accreditation • Quality/Reputation/Ranking • Safety (campus, community)

THINGS NOT TO CONSIDER

Don’t forget, when it comes to finding the right college, it not a decisions you should take lightly. The process should take considerable thought, time and effort. If you wait until the last minute, it could be very costly, and, possibly, ruin your college experience. Moreover, do not opt to do any of the following.

Don’t Be a Follower: Just because a boyfriend, girlfriend, or best friend will be attending a particular college of their choice, doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for you. You need to base your decision on your wants and needs and not on those of others, or just because you want to be close to someone. Besides, if your relationships and friendships are true, they will survive a few semesters apart.

Release the Legacy: I know the pressure to attend the college that your parents and their parents, or other close family members have attended for generations, will weigh heavily on you when choosing the right school, but remember you are a unique individual, and following in the footsteps of others may not be the best decision for you. Just because they are family doesn’t mean you will have the same college experience they did. Choose a school that is inline with your ideals and personality.

Forget the Fan: Just because you love a particular collegiate team, doesn’t mean that the quality of life or academics at the college will suit your tastes. Remember, your overall goal is to get the best education, not become the school’s best cheerleader. You can continue to cheer your team on from the TV sidelines while you earn your degree at the “right” school.

Forget the Fan: Just because you love a particular collegiate team, doesn’t mean that the quality of life or academics at the college will suit your tastes. Remember, your overall goal is to get the best education, not become the school’s best cheerleader. You can continue to cheer your team on from the TV sidelines while you earn your degree at the “right” school.

Fear of Acceptance: If you really have a strong desire to attend a particular school, don’t let the fear of you not getting in stop you from applying. You may feel that your grades or test scores are not good enough, but admission counselors look beyond those criteria when choosing students that will benefit most from what their college has to offer. The bottom line is, don’t sell yourself short.

Good Reputation: Just because a college is in the Ivy League, or has won numerous awards and honors, means that it is a good school for you and what you desire in a college.

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