How to choose the right college

Choosing the right college can sometimes be a daunting task. If this is your first time, it can become quite overwhelming nd you need a strategy and guideline to get you started. You could begin the process by interviewing someone who has just graduated or in their second year of college. If you don't know anyone who fits that criteria, then follow these steps to begin.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• list of colleges
• Attending a college fair
• Phone numbers of college counselors or personnel
• College catalog
• College Tuition

1. Compile a list of colleges that you desire to attend according to the criteria you have set
   With the information that you have acquired you should be able to narrow down your list to the ones you like best
   Get help from your high school counselor
   Do a walk-on. Make an appointment with the admission office and do a visual
2. You may have a favorite college, but you must find out if you qualify according to the college criteria
   Divide in different categories: a) ones that you are qualified to attend (your GPA and SAT scores according to college requirement), b) ones that are in the same desired location, and c) the ones that may accept you
3. Find out more about the campus life, housing, academics (what majors offered), what intramural or college sports offered, cost of tuition, if it is a co-ed school or not, graduation requirements, courses offered for your particular major, scholarships offered and other graduate or doctoral programs

Tips & Warnings

• You might also want to know about the transfer requirements (if you want to transfer to another school)
• How far do you want to go from home is important
• Find out what the college career center has to offer
• Financial aid availability
• Don't apply to the college because your friend wants to go there
• Never put your eggs in one basket. Make sure you put in at least three applications
• Work on your GPA and SAT scores so you can score high. You will have better choices
• Do extensive research and preparation
• Be attentive and ask questions at the orientation
• Meet other parents at the orientation; especially those who may live in the area