Trying to decide which college to attend can be overwhelming. It’s a really big decision—and an exciting one too! Getting a good education that’s affordable and of high quality is super important. Plus, it’s always a bonus when the campus is safe and easy to get around.
Knowing what to look for can make your search for colleges a breeze. You’ll be better positioned to find one where you’ll experience nothing but the best over your 4-year stay.
We’ve got you covered if you’re looking for a good college. We’ve compiled a list of things to remember when checking out different institutions.
The Academic Programs That You Want
One of the first things to consider is whether the college offers what you want to study as a major. If they do, then take a look at their curriculums to see which courses you can take and the different career paths you’ll be able to pursue once you graduate.
You can also explore different opportunities within the program that might catch your interest. Let’s say you’re interested in becoming a TV reporter. If you come across a journalism program with a student-run TV station on campus, it would most definitely sweeten the deal.
Student Housing
If you’re interested in living on campus, several colleges offer many different housing options. Be sure to schedule a tour of the dormitories and apartments.
That will allow you to ask about the roommate selection process and the available amenities and determine whether you like the housing.
Cost Of Attendance
The cost of college can definitely play a big role in your decision-making process. You’ll be spending a lot. So, in your calculations, you’ll need to consider tuition, housing, and school and home supplies.
Taking the time to speak with the college’s financial aid office can provide some useful information about scholarships or grants that you may qualify for.
Location
Your final decision depends heavily on the college’s location and whether or not you want to be close to or far from home. If you opt to be a student resident, how far from home are you willing to go? If you opt to be a commuter student, how far can you drive to and from class?
Also, if you’re going to attend school in a state different from where you live permanently, there’s a possibility that your tuition may be different. Let’s not forget that if you choose to study outside of your hometown, you’ll also need to factor transportation and accessibility into your costs for times like holidays when you want to be with family.
Class Sizes
Class sizes can significantly affect how much you can learn. Ask yourself: what learning style suits you best? If you prefer a more personal learning experience, you could consider going to a college with smaller classes. Smaller discussion-based classes are different from big lectures with hundreds of students.
Camps Safety
Safety is one of the most important aspects to consider, especially if you plan to live on campus. Knowing what kind of surveillance is available and how much of it is around the campus can help put your mind at ease.
It would be wise to inquire about the campus police station and its availability and the school’s policies and procedures concerning student safety. Nuwber’s list of the safest college campuses in the US by state can help narrow your search.
Campus Life
How many students live on campus? How involved are they at the school? How do they spend their weekends and free time? Is there a recreational center on campus?
If yes, what activities does it offer? The answers to these questions can help you picture what college life will be like.
The school spirit and overall campus vibe will shape your experience. To give you a better idea of what to expect, be sure to ask questions about the school’s residence life program.
Health Center
A place on campus should cater to your mental and physical wellness. If you’re feeling under the weather with a stomachache or a cold, you can swing by there to grab some meds and start feeling better in no time.
Or, if you’re feeling overwhelmed with coursework, its counseling services can help you overcome the stress.
Campus Organizations
What are the different clubs you can join while studying? Joining student-led organizations is a great way to meet other students who share your interests, stay busy, and get involved. It’s also a chance to take on leadership roles and expand your professional and personal networks.
And if you can’t find a club you’re interested in at your college, why not ask about starting your own? Just find out what the requirements are and go for it!
Career Services
Career services can assist you in getting ready for your job search after graduation. What kind of activities does the one on your prospective campus offer?
If you’re looking to improve your job search skills, you could get some help writing your resume or attending a mock interview or job fair. Some schools don’t provide much support and prefer to encourage independence.
Still, experience in your field of interest is great for your future career and a way to figure out what you’re passionate about. It’ll also be worth your while to check out all the research projects, hands-on experiences, internships, and study-abroad opportunities available at the school.
Graduation Rate
The school’s graduation rate would tell you whether the college retains its students or experiences frequent transfers or dropouts. Compare graduation rates. If you go for the one with a higher rating, they might have better resources to help you excel in your studies and prepare for your future job.
Conclusion
After graduating from school, many graduates have plenty of questions and want to know as much information about colleges as possible. Location, cost, safety, campus activities, and academic programs are the most common aspects potential college students want to know more about. And the more they know, the better.
To make the most out of studying and remember college days forever, one needs to take the process of choosing an institution seriously. It’s okay, however, to make mistakes along the way. Don’t be hard on yourself, and take small steps toward the academic life you want.
