Choosing a College That Is Right for You

This is the third in a series of posts that I plan to roll out over the next week...Enjoy!


When choosing a college there are many factors to consider. Not only is it important to consider financial aspects, it is equally important to explore the full array of opportunities and options that surround a college before settling on the final choice(s). I recommend a few things to consider:

Does the college have programs in my areas of interest?

Does the college have a progressive financial aid program to help students with the cost of their education?

Is the college in an area where I feel comfortable (urban, suburban, etc.)?

Is the college the right size for me?

Most important is the feeling one gets as they visit the campus. Take the time to visit the campus; to ask questions, visit the residence halls, and meet a professor. The important thing is that you visit. Too many students choose a college, only to find in their first year that the campus is not right for them. Visiting becomes even more important when considering out-of-state colleges.

Once these factors are considered, choices have to be made; where to apply and when. Fall of the senior year is a good time. Where to apply is a personal choice, whether in- or out-of-state, there are many good colleges and universities to select from – more than 3,500 in the United States alone. The formula that usually works well is to choose more than one. Three works well because you can select one college where you k now you will be accepted, one where you think you will be accepted, and one that you question whether you will be accepted.

Your high school guidance counselors are there to help you through these decisions. Usually, guidance offices have a variety of information and resources from many colleges and universities that you can choose from, some of which can be checked out by students. Also, with Internet access and the continual advancement of technology today, you can visit any college at the stroke of a key.

If you have any questions about this or other topics, feel free to contact me at dadofdivas@gmail.com and I will do my best to answer the questions you have.