Finding the College that is Right for Me
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Transcript Finding the College that is Right for Me
The question is not
“which is the best
college?” but, rather
“which is the best college
for me?”
STEP
1
Seek out personal
recommendations.
Speak to those around you; counselors,
teachers, family friends, and yes, even parents.
Make note of their recommendations but, don’t
assume they will give you the answers.
Research for yourself to discover what is
important to you.
STEP
2
Focus on your
academic goals.
What do you really want in an education?
Pre-Professional Education– prepares for specific job,
ie: engineering, pre-med. = DEPTH.
Liberal Arts Education – equips you with general
knowledge and reasoning skills suitable
for many jobs = BREADTH.
How does the college rank in the major you want to
study?
Majoring in a narrow field? Consider a larger
university.
STEP
3
Don’t forget to
ask about the
social life.
The Greek system?
What do students do on the weekends?
Extra-curricular activities?
Close to a major city, skiing, beach?
Campus life associations, service clubs and ROTC?
If you don’t like the social scene,
you won’t be
happy at the school.
STEP
4
Investigate the
type of digs
you’ll be living
in.
Think of yourself as a total person, not just a
student.
Find a place to live that suits you.
Do most students live on campus?
Can you live with strangers?
How modern or ancient are the dorms?
Does each room have its own bathroom, or do you
share?
With overcrowding, ask what your chances are of
getting on-campus housing.
STEP
5
Snuggle up
with a college
directory.
Look in a book or on a website that profiles
colleges.
Student population, activities, costs and financial
aid
How many freshmen are admitted each year
Directories won’t tell you about the personality of
the college.
Talk to people who go to that college: alumni,
recruiters, current students.
Great Website
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/index.html?student
STEP
6
Attend a
college fair or
talk to the
college rep.
Western Slope College Fair – Aspen High School
Sunday, Oct. 3 11am to 2pm. Bus available from
FMHS-sign up in counseling office
To make a life changing choice talk to real people
first.
Take a list of questions with you – Don’t be shy,
that is why they are there.
Make business cards to introduce yourself to
college Reps.
STEP
7
Beware of the
college
brochure
Brochures are biased and will tout only the
positives.
Always view the college’s brochure with a healthy
dose of caution.
Compare brochures from various colleges.
Brochures can help you develop questions to ask
reps.
NEVER ATTEND A COLLEGE YOU HAVEN’T VISITED
FIRST!!!
STEP
8
Don’t rely on
news
magazine
rankings.
Use the rankings as a guide, but definitely do your own
research .
Include news magazine rankings in your beginning
research.
Rankings might help you pose questions to college
reps.
Start an organization system for your brochures, etc…
STEP
9
Don’t worry
about money
(yet).
In the beginning, don’t let costs dictate your goals.
Even if $ is tight, don’t make it your primary concern
just yet.
Having trouble paying the application fee? See your
counselor for a fee waiver.
Last year over $97 billion in financial aid was given to
students.
Wait until you are accepted by the college and have the
financial aid award before deciding.
$$$ Private Education at a Discount Price $$$
Many schools have replaced need-based loans with grants.
Harvard University made tuition free for families making less than
$60,000 a year.
At least 17 other private institutions including Stanford and
Columbia work with families making $40K to $100K per year.
http://www.walletpop.com/loans/kiplingers/best-private-collegevalues/
Some private schools have initiatives which match public school
tuition www.naicu.edu/special_initiatives/afordability/about
Colleges that Change Lives - Small private liberal arts colleges that
offer a 1st rate education at reasonable prices . www.ctcl.org
Final Thoughts…
Exploration leads to discoveries about
yourself.
Ultimately pick schools that meet your needs.
???