How do you know which college is right for you?
The National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) provides resources for students as they navigate their college careers.
Finding the right college that meets all of your needs is crucial for academic success, therefore, it is important to be patient when researching and applying to colleges. If you are currently struggling through the college admission process, here are some important questions to ask when finding a college that’s right for you.
1. What Academic Opportunities are Offered?
Does the colleges offer classes and opportunities that excite you? Get to know your learning style and research the types of lectures they offer. Do they offer enlightening lectures or energetic dialogues? Do they offer research or hands-on experience? It’s important to also know the learning environment that you thrive in, such as if you prefer working in small or large groups of other students. Be sure to look for what you’ll need to feel challenged and engaged to make sure that you will remain stimulated in your lectures. You may think that you just want to take the easiest courses possible, but that’s a waste of your time and money! It’s also important to decide what support you will need for success. The availability of peer tutoring, professors, and mentorship are just a few areas for inquiry. Make sure to read the course catalog and department descriptions as well as find reviews of professors online. Lastly, if you’re able to visit the campus, ask to sit in on some classes before making a final decision.
2. What is the Campus Culture?
Each college has a distinctive atmosphere and it’s important that you find one that speaks to you. Are you looking for an active urban campus or a quieter college town? Do you want a university experience where you’ll interact with thousands of students or one where you could get more individual attention? Asking these questions can allow you to narrow your college application list and visit the ones that are most closely in line with your needs. When visiting a college campus, remember to converse with the students you meet to learn more about them. What are their personalities, politics, and interests? Be sure to visit the dorms, food, and recreational facilities available on campus to make sure you can see yourself using these areas for the next two to four years (or more). If you can’t visit personally, ask to arrange a virtual tour of the campus.
3. Is There Financial Aid Available?
College tuition and related expenses are often the biggest concerns for both students and parents. Be realistic about your finances and avoid taking on excessive debts, but do not cross a school off your list just because it has a high tuition rate. Many schools have extensive financial aid packages which are often a combination of grants and scholarships. The financial aid packages of the college could potentially allow you to have no tuition debt at all. If you are still in high school, be sure to focus on raising your grades and SAT/ACT scores as much as possible as well as engaging in extra-curricular activities that highlight your strengths. This can help make you a more qualified candidate for merit-based financial aid. Lastly, be sure to research the career placement rates and average starting salaries of graduates. This will also help you assess the value of investing your money in a particular college or university.
4. Are There Opportunities for Career Development?
More students are factoring post-graduate plans into their college decision-making process, and rightfully so! Learn more about this topic by making an appointment to speak with someone within the campus’s career development center. Be sure to ask a lot of questions. How do they support students by preparing them for the professional world after graduation? Do they offer resume writing assistance? Career path workshops? Practice interviews? Networking events for students and alumni? If you expect to find yourself in a specific field, ask about the internships and jobs graduates found in those areas. Not sure which direction you’ll go in? See if career coaching is available for students. Many institutions also extend career support to alumni, which is especially valuable in those first post-collegiate years.
The college admission process can seem overwhelming but following the guidance above can help pave the road to a bright, successful future.
National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS)is a distinguished academic honor society that is devoted to honoring and helping the highest-achieving student scholars in more than 26,000 high schools.
