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Choosing the Right College

Our counselors answered: What are the most important factors to consider when choosing a college?

Rebecca Joseph

Executive Director & Founder
getmetocollege.org

Can you imagine yourself being happy there for four years? That is the first question you should ask. Can you see yourself making friends, taking great classes, getting involved in amazing activities? Can you see yourself as part of the community? What does the college do to help freshmen get involved and connected? What does it do to help you progress all four years? These and many other questions can...

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Joyce Vining Morgan

Founder and college counselor
Educational Transitions

Do they have the program(s) and courses you want to study? the activities you'd like to participate in? the support you need - academically, socially, and in the areas of your interests? Can you afford it (check out financial aid)? Will you be happy there?

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Jill Schontag

College Counselor
Learning Pathways

The two most important factors are the fit between the student and the University and the department that houses the student's intended major. First, College visits are so vital because the student must feel a sense of belonging at their university. Many studies have shown that retention rates are strongly influenced by how many quality connections students make on campus. Your college will be your...

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Ellen erichards@ellened.com

Owner
Ellen Richards Admissions Consulting

The following guidelines will help you avoid common mistakes and keep you focused on what's importan

Location. Make sure your preference of school location will offer academic advantage otherwise, it will not benefit you in the long run. Affordability. If you have limited funds to use for college, and you haven't received any scholarships, you should definitely make a financial plan. shortcomings to avoid wasting of your money. Academics. It's helpful to have at least a vague idea of what you'd...

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Lora Lewis

Educational Consultant
Lora Lewis Consulting

Is the school a good match for you, personally and academically? Only you can know what you need in a school and what matters to you most. Location, cost, academic programs, social life, sports--any or all of these might have a major influence on your choices. Rather than worry about what others think is important or getting caught up in a college's rankings in a variety of areas, figure out what...

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Kristina Dooley

Independent Educational Consultant
Estrela Consulting

Some important factors to consider when choosing a college should be: 1) size (do you want a small, medium, or large campus?) 2) location (does a big city appeal to you or are you a small-town kid? What about weather? Do you love the sun or are you a ski bunny?) 3) academic offerings (does the school offer the programs you're looking for?) 4) outcomes (what happens to the school's graduates...

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Rana Slosberg

Owner
Slosberg College Solutions LLC

Key factors

The factors that are important in selecting a college depend on what is important to you. Some typical factors (in no particular order) are: - Academics - Majors offered - Facilities (e.g., labs, libraries) - Availability of Internships or co-op opportunities - Job placement of graduates - Per cent of students who continue on to graduate school - Study abroad opportunities - How hard it is to...

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Trevor Creeden

Director of College and Career Counseling
Delaware County Christian School

This is a very important question that should be different for most students. You obviously can start with location (close to home or far way), do you want a school in the city or suburbs, number of students (small or big school or is class size important), Christian vs. Non-Christian, Cost or the major you are interested in pursuing among others. Once you pick the one (or more) of the factors...

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Nancy Milne

Owner
Milne Collegiate Consulting

Factors to Consider

Choosing a college is such a personal experience. It can be challenging to not succumb to the influences of family/friends, marketing tactics and financial factors. It is important to determine that the school offers the course of study that interests you. It is equally critical that you feel good about the extracurriculars as well. Distance from home, size of school, location of the campus, and...

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Sommer Lang

School Counselor

The most important factor in choosing a college is whether or not the college has your chosen program of study. You also have to choose a school where you will be successful and enjoy yourself. Cost, distance from home, size, extra curricular, and living accommodations are also factors that you should consider. Weighing out the advantages and disadvantages will be important to help you make your...

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