Choosing a College
What is the best fit for me?
Deciding which college to attend can be a challenge—there are so many factors to consider. What’s important to you in a college experience? Take a look at your long-term goals and how college will help you get there. Visit college websites, take virtual tours, talk to current and former students, and read online reviews. In other words, learn as much as you can about potential college choices.
Consider this and rank in your order of importance
Type of School • Two-year or four-year • Public or private • University / research institution or liberal arts college • All-male, all-female, or coed • Religious or secular | Student Life • On and off campus activities • Athletics • Greek life • Student organizations • Safety • Student body diversity | Location • Urban or rural • Size of nearest city • Distance from home • Geographic setting and weather |
Affordability • Cost of attendance (tuition, fees, transportation, housing) • Campus employment, opportunities • Scholarships | Admission Requirements • Minimum GPA • Average test scores • Required high school courses • Likelihood of being accepted | Housing • Residence halls • On and off campus housing • Meal plan • Parking for residents and for commuters |
Academics • Programs and majors offered • Student-faculty ratio • Accreditation | Size • Physical enrollment • Average class size • Physical size of campus | Other criteria important to you • • • |