College is an investment. As with any sizeable commitment of funds, it pays off in the long run to do some homework up front and select the institution best suited to your personality and preferences, as well as your academic needs and career goals. Deborah Spinney, executive director for student development at the University of Indianapolis, offers these tips for making that important decision:
1. Start early. Your sophomore year of high school isn’t too soon to begin exploring colleges. Attend college fairs, request literature from places of interest, and do some investigating on line. Don’t feel pressure to make decisions; just gather as much information as possible to begin getting a sense of your preferences.
2. Improve your chances. Before you can get into the college of your choice, you’re going to have to be properly prepared. Take all of the required “core” subjects in high school, and understand that most colleges are more interested in the breadth and depth of your coursework than in your SAT scores, so go that extra mile. Don’t wait until your senior year to care about grades.
3. Consider the range of options. Postsecondary education does not have to mean a four-year residential college. That model is not the best for every high school graduate. Consider community colleges, comprehensive universities, liberal arts colleges and specialized schools, to name just a few of the options. Distance from home will be an important factor if you’re planning to live on campus.
4. Take stock. Obviously, choice of major will have a significant impact on your selection of a college. If you need academic support, make sure the institutions you are considering are well equipped and willing to provide this assistance. Weigh your strengths and weaknesses. Think about your comfort level in large classes; look at the ratio of faculty to students, and the average class size. Is the institution located where you will have access to cultural, athletic and other experiences that are important to you?
5. Find out about financial aid. Before you rule out an “expensive” school based on the tuition that’s posted on line, remember that students almost never pay that sticker price. A plethora of financial aid and other arrangements make college quite affordable, so talk to the financial aid office and investigate scholarships, work study and other assistance the institution offers.
6. Visit, visit, visit. There’s no substitute for a campus visit. Even a university that seems perfect may have an atmosphere or even physical layout you do not like. Every institution has its own personality, and the only way to ascertain whether your personalities mesh is to walk around and get a feel for the place. Visit a variety of campuses, but be sure to schedule each visit in advance through the admissions office. Set up appointments with professors or coaches of special interest. Ask to sit in on a class or two. The admissions office can even arrange for you to stay overnight in a residence hall.
7. Talk to college students. There are lots of people who can offer helpful advice, but there’s nothing quite like a college student’s perspective to get you thinking—and posing the right questions when you’re visiting a campus. Ask around—neighbors, siblings, friends of siblings—to find out what they like about their college, what they don’t like, or how well their expectations matched reality. Make a list of questions to ask when you are visiting the colleges of your choice, and be sure to talk to the students on campus. Inquire about campus life, food, classes and the residential experience.
8. Apply to several colleges. You may have a clear favorite, but there’s always a chance you might not get accepted (particularly if there are enrollment caps on certain programs)—or circumstances may change and you are not able to attend your first choice. Be safe and apply to two or three institutions that would suit you.
9. Factor in change. Most college freshmen change majors several times, so if you are wavering between two or three fields of study, you might opt for the university that offers strong programs in all of them. It’s no guarantee you won’t have to transfer to another school later, but it could certainly reduce the chances.
10. Enjoy the ride! Selecting a college should be a pleasant experience. If you start early and take your time, you will enjoy discovering the unique personalities of each institution as you learn more about yourself. You have an important decision to make, but by adequately preparing in high school and by methodically investigating your options, you will improve the likelihood of making the best choice for you.
