10 Considerations when choosing the right school.
- Academic programs – are you looking for a range of majors and programs or technical training in a specific field? What do you hope to gain from your academic experience in college?
- Extra-curricular activities – what happens outside of the classroom? What clubs, athletics and other activities are available?
- Relationships with faculty and peers – will you be able to build a one-on-one relationship with your faculty? Can you see yourself fitting in and building friendships with your peers?
- Connection with the vision of the institution – Every school has a vision. Find out what it is, and determine if it aligns with your goals.
- Diversity – What is the geographic, ethnic, religious and racial diversity of the student body? What mix is important to you?
- Atmosphere – Do you feel at home? Do you feel safe? Are you treated as family or a number? What is important to you?
- Retention and Graduation Rates – Are students persisting through to graduation?
- Size of the student body – Are you looking to be a face in the crowd, or part of a learning laboratory in which every voice is heard?
- Cost – look beyond the price tag – is the need-based aid and merit-based aid a good fit for your situation?
- College visit – Surveys indicate that many students simply know intuitively after visiting schools which one is right for their needs. Make sure you visit all of your schools of interest, then do a gut check.
