Choosing a College/University
6 Factors to Consider- Location - Do you want to live near your home town, in your state or do you want to live out-of-state?
- School Size - Do you want to go to a school which is very large (25-40,000 students)? Or will you consider schools with a student body of 5-15,000?
- Price - Consider how much you want to pay for tuition, room and board. Out-of-state students pay significantly more than those that live in-state, unless it is a private school. Usually out of state students aren't required to pay more than a citizen of the state.
- Financial Assistance - Most college and university programs offer financial assistance. Check their website for further information. Never eliminate a school because of its price. Check their financial aid possibilities. It could make the choice of attending this school a real possibility.
- Field of Interest - Does this college offer your major? Is this college well known for this major?
- Opportunities outside of the Classroom - Does this college have clubs and organizations that interest you? Do they provide the outside activities and sports of your interests?
Campus Visit Checklist
- VISIT the Career Center
- ASK the tough questions until you get answers and bring a journal to jot down your impressions.
- PLAN at least half a day at each school while school is in session and stay overnight, if possible.
- ARRANGE an interview with an admissions officer or department chair.
- TAKE a campus tour and have a meal on campus
- TALK with students and faculty and attend a class or two.
- ATTEND an extracurricular activity (i.e. sports/theatre)
- CHECK out the residence hall, the libraries, student union, etc.
- FIND out about campus organizations and activities and pick up a campus newspaper.
