For most high school seniors, college applications have been turned in, and now the waiting game begins. Soon acceptance letters will arrive in the mail, and it will be time to make the difficult decision of which college to attend in the fall. At the same time, sophomores and juniors are starting to narrow down their list of schools to apply to. The big question weighing on everyone’s mind is “how do I know which college is right for me?”.
After four years of college and three years of helping students find their dream schools at College Prowler, I am convinced that the most important aspect of picking a college is finding the right “fit.”
12 Considerations for Finding Your Perfect College:
Academic Reputation - While the decision shouldn’t be based entirely on college rankings, attending a school that isn’t widely recognized may play a part in whether you score an interview for your dream job.
Alumni Support - With the largest dues-paying alumni network in the world, Penn State has alums at most large corporations around the world. When senior year rolled around, I sent personal e-mails to PSU alums at the companies I was applying to, and they recommended me for positions. Sad but true, it’s not always what you know but who you know.
Athletics, Greek Life, & Clubs - Interested in going Greek, playing Varsity sports, or joining the Outing Club? Find out which schools cater to your interests. There is more to college than classes.
Campus Housing & Dining - There’s a reason why food and shelter were on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. When you visit campus, check out the freshman dorms and sample the food.
Career Services - A great Career Services department will be your best friend when you’re searching for job and internship opportunities. Find out whether your potential colleges have large on-campus recruiting programs and which employers hire students with your intended major.
Guys & Girls - Is the student body diverse? How do students dress? What’s the dating scene like? College Prowler (www.collegeprowler.com) is a great resource for learning about the guys and girls at colleges across the country.
Safety & Security - Consider not only the security on campus but safety in the surrounding areas.
Selection of Majors - The majority of students switch their major at least once; make sure you have options if you reconsider your major.
Setting (rural, urban, or suburban) - Laid-back or livin’ la vida loca? Setting will undoubtedly influence your entertainment options, access to transportation, and more.
Size (large university or small college) - Smaller colleges tend to have more student-to-professor interaction but it may make you feel like you’ve never left high school. It’s easy to disappear at large universities, but if you’re proactive, endless opportunities are at your fingertips.
Tuition & Financial Aid - Don’t rule out colleges because of a price tag; talk to your guidance counselor about financial aid and scholarship opportunities and do your own research to find the best package.
Weather - Trudging across campus through two feet of snow in central Pa. inevitably played a part in whether I made my 8 a.m. class. Weather plays a bigger role than many realize.
Recommended College Resources:
College Prowler (www.collegeprowler.com) - Publisher of individual college insider guides written by students, for students; available in print and through an online subscription. Their college finder is especially helpful for high school sophomores & juniors narrowing down their list of schools, and their compare colleges tool is great for seniors who are making their final decision.
College Jolt (www.collegejolt.com)- Student-written blog with advice, tips, rants, and raves about college life
Fastweb (www.fastweb.com) - Leading online scholarship search engine
FinAid (www.finaid.org) - Comprehensive source for financial aid information, advice, and tools
January 10th, 2009 at 3:39 pm
Another good resource for those interested in exploring Greek life a little further is Greekster.tv - a social video community where you can learn a lot more about different Greek organizations.
June 5th, 2009 at 1:27 pm
Interesting post- never read anything like it. Thanks!