Selecting the Right College
Finding the right college for you can be an overwhelming process. You might have heard horror stories about student loan debt or that recent grads are having a tough time finding a job. College is important and worth the investment, but it’s crucial to find the right one for you.
There’s more to going to college than just picking a school and paying tuition — this post will cover everything from what questions you need to ask before applying to tips on finding financial aid if your budget is tight. We’ll also talk about what it’s like living on campus (hint: communal bathrooms are gross) and the different ways campuses vary in terms of population size and urban or rural location.
1)What questions should I ask before applying?
Some things to consider before applying include:
- What are the graduation rates like? (Some schools have higher graduation rates than others, and it might be wise to avoid a school that graduates so few students.)
- What is the academic reputation of the university? (Typically, research universities have better reputations.)
- How does the housing situation on campus compare to your own situation? (If you’re not sure, don’t just assume that campuses with dorms are better.)
- How big a town is the campus; do most people commute or stay an hour off campus? (It’s easier to meet people if you commute or stay in town, which means much less time spent commuting and a less isolated social life.)
2) What are the entry requirements?
It depends on the school. The average GPA at Harvard is 4.18 versus 3.0 nationwide. Knowing what the school’s entry requirements are might be helpful. For example, you can see “how to get into LA university” at CampusReel.
3) How does applying to college work?
The application process has changed quite a bit in recent years; most schools have their own applications (and if they don’t, they use the Common Application). This can mean you need to fill out different applications for different schools. One of the most popular questions is whether or not you should send your major school a supplemental resumé.
4) How much money do I need to get into college?
The cost of college can be a major factor in deciding on which college to attend, but it shouldn’t be an entirely financial decision. If you have other opportunities or plans that require going to college, figure out how much you will need to save up first. Try looking at local scholarships and grants to see what schools offer.
5) How safe is the community?
It’s not just about the crime rate — it’s also about safety. If the school has been in the news for sexual assault, or you’re worried about safety because it’s so close to home, you might want to look at another school. This is something that is likely to change over time and depends on where you are in the country, so be sure to take this into account as well.
There are so many things to consider when you’re looking at schools and trying to pick one that is the right fit for you. It can take some time, and you’ll never know what’s right until you try it, but it’s an important part of your future. Take the time to look into the schools and really ask yourself if they’re a good choice for what you want out of college.
Remember, college can be a great experience because it provides a lot of different opportunities, but it’s not the be all and end all — especially if your campus digs deep into your wallet or drills stress into your life.
