Choosing the College Perfect for You

When it comes to deciding on the right college, it's all about concentrating on you. Getting into the right college is one of the most vital choices you will make in your life. It not only affects the following four years, but will, have persisting repercussions throughout your life.

Your personal goals may consist of things like a tree filled campus with stone faced buildings and professors who work closely with students. Or you might wish a fast-paced contemporary setting with a massive student body and a wide range of extra curricular activities. But whatever your priorities are, they are the starting point for deciding on exactly the right university for you. And to assist you locate the right university, conscientiously think about the college admission policies.
To help you define your goals, consider the following components:

What really interests you?
Obviously your chosen major should be a main key in choosing a university. So do your homework carefully. Look up the college requirements through the college admission process. Talk to the teachers, current students, alumni, and college admission staff. Ask them what makes the program at their university better than another school. Ask about opportunities for research, field placement, internships, and study abroad programs. And take a close look at the campus facilities-are the labs, art studios, and recreation areas fully equipped?

What is realistic?
Obviously not everyone who applies for any given college will be accepted. As a result, many college applicants end up giving their application money away to universities who barely even consider them. It is very important to research how many students a particular university is accepting and what kind of grades and test scores they are requiring to get in. You should contact the college admissions office in order to find out if the college is a good match for you.


How independent are you?
Heading off for college is a landmark change in anyone's life. The distance away from your family and friends will play a big role in where you choose to go to school. Your willingness to go far away will be largely determined by your level of independence. Do you want to leave your hometown and do everything on your own or do you want to stick close to friends and family who can advise you when inevitable problems arise? While you may have a greater chance of being accepted by a college in a distant location, remember also that the distance can also greatly effect your personal finances. Think about how independent you want to be from your family and friends before making your choice.

How much are you willing to pay?
State places of higher learning usually offer lower tuition, and simpler college admissions forms, especially for residents. According to the College Board, the standard cost of a state university is approximately $5,000, compared with $20,000 for a private university. But private colleges often offer more financial aid, and college admission aid which may decrease the difference. Be sure, also, to ask about course offerings: with recent monetary cutbacks, many state universities pay for fewer sections of required courses. It can sometimes be the case that, state schools are recognized for their large classes, while private colleges tend to offer a more personal approach.

Small or large?
Think carefully about the pros and cons of different sized schools. Do you prefer a small town feel or a large city feel? Remember that most large schools, while usually having a better selection of majors and classes, will also have less professor to student interaction because classes are, out of necessity, larger. In smaller universities, students feel like they know their professors and can go to them with academic problems, whereas sometimes students attending larger schools feel like they are just lost in the crowd. Whatever you like, the best way to find out about a particular college community is to call the college admissions office and schedule a campus visit.

Urban, Rural, or Suburban?
There are good things and bad things about each. In a big city, there are numberless options that can enrich your college experience. If you're a nature lover who prefers hiking, kayaking, or cross-country skiing, you might be happier at a school located in the country. Or, if you're wanting the best of both worlds, you might think about a suburban college with a flower-filled area and easy access to the city.

As you seek just the right university-always keep an open mind about your choices-this will lead you to the experience that is proper for you.

Mark Flygare is a writer for ioVentures, Inc. and specializes in the college application and college admissions process. To learn more about how to find a college you want, go to Zinch.com.