Making the right decision when choosing a college can be frustrating sometimes. It takes a lot of time, research, and energy. Not just that, the college application procedure can be tiresome. So, knowing how to pick a university suitable to your collegiate career goals, objectives, and social preferences is essential.
What to Look For in a College?
There’re so many things to consider when looking for your ideal college. You should ask yourself these questions: does this college have the major I am interested in? Does it have the connections and resources to support my future career? Can I afford the tuition?
You must choose a college that offers vital academic programs in various fields. Don’t be scared to give yourself time to find your passion before committing to a particular degree program that you are unsure of.
While low tuition may be an essential consideration, most college students are unaware of what they will pay. The sticker amount is always different based on your conditions, plus you might receive merit-based aid or additional need-based aid. For this reason, you should use a net price calculator.
How to Choose a College?
First of all, you should consider what your biggest concerns are when it comes to picking a college. Do you want to study close to home? Do you want booming campus life or an athletic program? Or perhaps you want the least expensive way to earn your degree? After you’ve decided on your priorities, you can start thinking more in-depth about the elements that make up your ideal school.
Degree Choice
Many students base their college choice on their degree program. Some colleges are known for having the best nursing degrees, while others may specialize in engineering degrees. It’s left for you to do proper research on the school that’s best in your chosen field.
Location
College location is another critical consideration. Although some online programs offer 100% distance learning, some schools may require you to attend physical classes routinely. Because of this, you should choose a school close to your home that will make for an easy commute and help reduce additional costs.
How Many Colleges Should I Apply To?
There is no restriction on the number of colleges one can apply to. But, students generally apply to many schools, generally between 4 and 8. This is a perfect range because it doesn’t overweigh you with excessive applications yet gives you enough room for a positive response.
Another thing to watch out for is that there is no national standard for college acceptance. Some schools are moving away from focusing on the ACT and SAT scores, as they consider them an optional part of the application process.
How Much Does It Cost to Apply for College?
As claimed by Research.com, college application fees usually are around $50. Their information found that more standard institutions – Ivy League Colleges, for instance – charge higher application fees. The highest submission costs are from Cornell, Duke, Stanford, and Yale University, from $80 to $90.
Some schools may offer application fee waivers due to extenuating situations, for example, if you come from a low-income background or need financial assistance. But, for many of the most popular universities in the country, which receive a lot of applications each year, the application fees remain an essential source of income. Note that this application fee is non-refundable.
Talk to People Who You Know
Talk to people who you know. Tell your teachers, parents, relatives, school counselor, and family friends about your goals. Ask if they can recommend colleges that may be a good fit for you.
In addition to the above, check out college guidebooks and the schools’ websites. Jot down your questions and research diligently. If possible, visit college campuses. Here’s a great campus visit checklist app for more information.
Be, Know, Do
The last and most important thing is to Be, Know, and Do your way to the top. What does that mean? Being is about understanding your values, character, and principles. This anchors you and gives a narrative to your future success. Knowing is about what resources are available and how you can use them. Finally, doing is about executing with excellence.
If you take this advice, it doesn’t mean things will be a cakewalk. But it means you will have the strategy, guidance, and wisdom to get there. Knowing what college you should go to that suits your interests, personality, and financial and career goals is best. We have a guidebook that can help you with your decision-making, check it out here.
