How to Pick the Right College

Rate: (2 Ratings)

Choosing a college is one of the most important decisions a person will make in their lifetime. However, choosing the right one can be a difficult and painful process. If you follow these steps, it will be easier for your to pick the right college for you.

Flag Article

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

A computer
Free Will

Step1

DO RESEARCH. Look up information about schools online. Do not let issues like money or location get in the way at this point. You need the mindset that you can go anywhere you want and do anything you want as a career.

Step2

MAKE A LIST. Write a list of 5-10 schools that you think would be a good fit for you. Make sure to list price of tuition/room & board along with the location and the approximate size of the school, to keep information organized to present to your parents.

Step3

VISIT. Every college website has a button that you can click to schedule a visit. Once you have clicked the button the site will guide you in how to schedule your visit.

Step4

KEEP TRACK. Keep a notebook in which you will write a short paragraph detailing your experience during your college visit. I would also recommend giving each school an overall rating out of 10. After visiting all of your potential schools, narrow your list down to a top 3. At this point cost and location should start to factor in.

Step5

FACEBOOK STALK. Everyone has a facebook page these days (if not, you need to make one before you leave for college). There are two things you can use on facebook to help you make your decision. The Networking page will provide you with a group of current students that you can message and ask how their personal experience has been at the college or university. The most useful tool for me was the group feature. With this you can look up other people your age that are possibly attending your future schools. You can talk to these students about their decisions and possibly make some new friends.

Step6

EMAIL. Decide what you are interested in. Go to your schools website and find the email address of the head of the department/departments that you are interested in. Ask questions about class size, class difficulty level, and the potential job field.

Step7

DO WHAT YOU WANT. Not what your parents want. Follow your heart. If your parents do not want you to go to the school that is right for you then you can handle it on your own. If money is an issue, apply for as many scholarships as you can find. There is money out there if you are willing to work for it. I would recommend visiting fastweb.com to find scholarships.

Step8

DO NOT BACK DOWN. Once you have the money, or financial support from your family, you need to make a final decision on where you are going to college. By this point you should have no question as to where you are meant to be. Apply for admission, and enjoy the next four years of your life!