Post on 22-Dec-2015
How to Choose a College
Ms. Pietris
School Counselor
Making Choices
There are many factors to consider in selecting a college or university
Start by examining your own goals, interests, and plans for future
Most important is the FIT between individual and school
Types of Schools
Public or private
Two year schools
Community colleges
Professional and technical schools
Four year schools
Colleges
Universities
There’s a type for everyone
Academic Program
What do you want to study?
Think about your interests, strengths, career ideas
Consider taking an interest inventory test
Schools often have strengths in a particular academic area
Ability to change your plan of study if your interests change
• How close to home?• Campus setting
• Urban
• Suburban
• Rural
Location
Campus Size• Do you want a school that is:
• Small
• Medium
• Large
• Physical design of the campus
Student Body
What do you want your campus to look like?
Coed or single sex
Ethnic diversity
LGBTQ community
Accessibility for differently abled
Geographic diversity
International Education
• Interactions with students from around the globe
• Study abroad opportunities
Extracurricular Life Sports Clubs Arts Fraternities/sororities
Social events Community service Dining Tutoring
Living Arrangements Home or away? On-campus and off-campus housing options Space inside dorm rooms Number of roommates
Financial Considerations
Cost of the school Private Public
In-state versus out of state
Financial Aid Loans Scholarships &
Grants
“Finding Your Fit” worksheet
Practice search
College View search tool & university selection guide
www.collegeview.com
Final Thoughts
Fit is most important
Choosing a college is not competition; it is about the match
Visit colleges
Research individual college websites
Attend college fairs
Talk to students, alumni, & faculty
Resources
College View Search Tool & University Selection Guide
http://www.collegeview.com/index.jsp
New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) http://www.hesc.ny.gov/content.nsf/SFC/College_Planning