How to Choose a College or University

Choosing a college or university can be a scary experience. You may have over 100 brochures and letters sitting in a pile somewhere at home that started arriving your sophomore or junior year of high school. Jot down a quick list of a few things you think you might want in a school, then follow the steps below to help you decide what college or university you want to attend.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Check out the curriculum. Find the schools that provide classes that you might want to take. Look for programs that are supported by the best technology in the field of study you are looking at to help you get the most out of your courses.
2. Select a location and a size. Figure out about how far you may want to go from home and look for schools that fall within that radius from your home. Colleges and universities come in many different shapes and sizes, even within a limited range from home. Decide where you will feel most comfortable based on enrollment and average class size.
3. Check out the tuition and financial aid packages. Many schools that have a higher rate of tuition also give out more financial aid to students. Know what is affordable for you, but do not let the "sticker shock" of the school keep you away from inquiries.
4. See what sports and activities are available on campus and how many students participate. Being involved during college is crucial in networking and making a place for yourself on campus. Become aware of the different sports and activities you can be involved in, including religious affiliations of the schools and multicultural activities.
5. Narrow down your choices and go for a visit. The brochures, magazines and websites are designed to lure you in, but before making any definite decisions, take an atual tour of the campus and see what it offers first hand. Walk all over the campus and see how everything is laid out as many students rarely drive anywhere on or near campus.
6. Talk to alumni from different colleges. Find out what people liked about their collegiate experiences and what they wish their schools would have had. This will give you an idea of what it is like to really live the college life and what you should ultimately be looking for in your school.

Tips & Warnings

• Fill out the FASFA form for financial aid as soon as it is available in January. Grants and loans are determined on a first come first serve basis and schools can not give you accurate tuition information without the completed form. This form is available on-line and from the school guidance office.