It really isn't hard to choose the right college. Just follow these ten rules.
1. Never make a final college choice without visiting at least the three or four colleges you like best. Regardless of how well you've investigated the colleges to which you applied, there is no substitute for a visit. Very often, students pick up critical information...sometimes good, sometimes bad...on a visit. And, bring your family with you if possible...nobody knows you better, so their observations and thoughts might be very helpful to you.
2. Do not, under any circumstances, break rule #1.
3. A college is not necessarily right for you because its name is familiar. That seems pretty obvious, but you wouldn't believe how many students equate educational quality with name recognition.
4. Take the time to identify and check out three or more colleges unfamiliar to you which would seem likely to admit you, offer the major(s) in which you are interested, and are located in areas in which you would like to spend four years. With any luck, you'll discover some great new options.
5. There is only one thing dumber than selecting a college because your friends are headed there. It's choosing a college or university because your girlfriend or boyfriend is headed there.
6. College-bound students often get lots of input from well meaning family and friends. Unfortunately, much of it is inaccurate. Be careful when folks categorize a college as "too expensive", "impossible to get into", "a party school", "a top liberal arts school", etc. There is a lot of misinformation out there, and people often mindlessly pass on what they hear. Find out for yourself what is true and what isn't, and beware of people who oversimplify and over generalize.
7. In the beginning of your search, do not worry about cost. The fact is, you won't know what a college might cost you until you find out what kinds of financial aid, if any, you might be offered. So, whatever you do, do not rule out colleges because of their cost in the initial stages of your search. And, be aware that some colleges pledge to meet the full financial need of all of their students.
8. Deadlines, whether for college applications, SAT or ACT registration, financial aid, scholarships, campus housing, etc. are not suggestions. Miss a deadline and you may find yourself in deep water. Write down and adhere to all deadlines.
9. Most students (not all) should probably apply to at least eight colleges. Three should be "reach" colleges...colleges you are excited about but might need some luck to be admitted to. As the lottery ads say, "you never know", and your odds of getting into most colleges are better than your odds of winning the lottery. Then, carefully pick at least three colleges you really like and are likely to be admitted to. I say "carefully" because chances are you'll wind up at one of these colleges. Finally, choose two "safe" colleges...places you like which are virtually certain to offer you admission. Choose these colleges carefully too, so you'll have a good place to land if all else fails.
10. When it is time to make your final choice, discuss your options with your family, your counselor (if you have one), and others who know you well and whose judgement you value. If you have a tough time choosing among two or more colleges or universities it is probably because you have done a good job putting together your list and you will be happy at whichever institution you choose. Just make your choice and don't agonize over itsome of the best years of your life are ready to begin.
Article Source: http://www.artsymmetry.com
Daniel Kane has worked in high schools, colleges, and universities for more than thirty years. He has websites on subjects including online degree programs and online degrees and scholarships .
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