Choosing a college or university

Attending college is an exciting and important venture in your life. Choosing the right school can be key to your success. Start early and spend time researching the universities/colleges that interest you. Make sure to ask the right questions!

PROCESS TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT COLLEGE:

Make a list of majors you might be interested in studying.
Compile a list of 10-20 schools that you are interested in possibly attending.
Gather information about each school – check out their web site, request materials, call and ask questions.
Talk to people who have attended, or currently attend, each school.
Review the following list of questions & considerations – narrow it down to the aspects that are important to you.
Research the schools, compare data, create a spreadsheet.
Narrow it down to the top 5-7 choices.
Visit the top 5-7 choices. Narrow down the list again.
Apply to the top 3-5 choices.
Make a selection based on the schools that accepted you

QUESTIONS TO ASK & DATA TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING THE COLLEGE THAT IS RIGHT FOR YOU.

Are there ethnic groups available?
Are there fraternities and sororities?
Are there religious groups available?
Are there sports? Do they have the sports you enjoy watching?
Can you afford the school?
Can you find out about safety reports for campus? The community?
Can you live at home? On campus? Off campus?
Can you realistically be accepted? Have other students with your GPA/scores been accepted?
Can you receive a minor?
Class size?
Costs? Tuition, books, fees, room, board
Degrees offered?
Diversity?
Do they have a program for internships? Placements? Co-ops?
Do you have friends attending this school? Or planning to? Or people you know?
Do you have relatives nearby the school?
Does the community around have what you need?
Does the school have a religious affiliation?
Does the school have courses that fit the career you are seeking?
Does the school have the accreditation you are looking for?
Extracurricular activities and events – do they have what you need?
Financial assistance available?
Graduation rate?
Graduation time? How long does it take the average student to graduate?
How are the dorm assignment made?
How are you going to pay for the school?
How does the community feel about the students and school?
How far is the school from your home?
How is school spirit?
How is the reputation?
How many students attend?
How successful are their placements?
If you plan to attend Church, is there one of your faith nearby?
In-state or out-of-state?
Is housing guaranteed?
Is it a private or public school?
Is it in a urban or rural setting?
Is there a wide variety of majors – you may change your mind.
Is this a large or small college? What fits your needs better?
Once at the school, do you have to be accepted into the specific department/college?
Two or four year school?
What are the retention rates?
What clubs are available?
What is the library like? Hours? Size?
What is the school ranking?
What is the social life scenario?
What kind of computer access, labs, printers are available? Hours?
Who teaches the classes? Taught by full-time doctoral-qualified faculty?
Will you be playing sports?
Will you receive the personal attention you need?

TAKE A CAMPUS TOUR OF YOUR TOP CHOICES – call the campus first to see if you can arrange a special tour, interview(s), or overnight. When on the tour, make sure to check out the following:

Ask for business cards of people you meet – for future questions
Attend information session at the admissions office and financial aid
Check out a few different dorms
Check out the bulletin boards
Check out the school TV station and/or radio station
Check out the student union building
Drive around the community around campus
Eat a meal in the student cafeteria
Get copies of financial aid forms
Hang out in high traffic areas
If you would like to play sports, talk to coaches
Look for other campus publications – bring copies home
Schedule an interview with an admissions officer
Shop at the bookstore
Sit in on a class, in a subject that interests you
Spend a night in a dorm
Spend some time in the library
Talk to a professor in your chosen major – or one you might be interested in
Talk to students – why did they choose this college? Are they happy? What do they enjoy? What are they studying? Where do they live? What do they dislike? What do they do on weekend?
Visit the career center
Visit the exercise facilities
Walk around the community around campus
Wander around the campus on your own