Whether you are entering your first year of high school, or you’re finally an upperclassman, now is the time to start thinking about choosing a college. The options can be overwhelming, especially if you’re not quite sure about a potential major or future career path. You may feel pressure to make the right choice for such an important step in your life. Fortunately, you can make your decision easier by asking yourself some key questions, including:
To begin answering these questions and moving forward in building your college list, consider the following criteria for choosing the best school for you both personally and academically.
The first consideration is size, and your choice will be based largely on your personality and preferences. Does the idea of being a small fish in a massive pond overwhelm you? If so, you might want to consider a smaller school with a more intimate atmosphere. You have an array of choices here, from small, private schools through huge flagship universities.
A major question to ask is “Do I want to attend a college near me?” Proximity to family and high school friends will have a significant impact on your college experience and depends, again, on your personality and preferences. You’ll also need to choose between urban and rural environments, both of which have their advantages. Your college will be where you live as well as study, so choose an environment you’ll enjoy.
Spend some time researching academic programs and areas of specialization for any college on your list. These questions can guide you in getting the information you need for a sound decision:
Before getting your heart set on a particular college or university, learn about the admission requirements to ensure that you have a good chance for acceptance. Find out about:
Remember that you’ll be spending at least four years of your life at your college or university, and you want to make sure you’ll be comfortable with the activities, housing and other aspects of daily campus life. In your research, try to learn answers to the following:
Don’t assume you can’t afford a certain college simply because of the sticker price. There are many options out there for scholarships and various forms of financial aid. Be sure to check out all the online resources for colleges you’re interested in, and talk with your school guidance counselor about the possibility of scholarships.
As you embark on your research to find the perfect college for you, you’ll no doubt come across many potential sources of helpful information. Here are a few to get you started:
Choosing the right college is one of the most important — and most personal — decisions you’ll make in life. Take some time to think about what you hope to get out of your college experience. What are your goals? Your strengths and weaknesses? Will you feel most comfortable being near family, or are you ready for independence? You know yourself best. By listening to your inner voice and using concrete criteria to guide you, the right college will come into view. For help with your college planning needs, from building your school list to applying for financial aid, consider working with an expert college admissions consultant from Club Z! To find a consultant nearest you, call 800-434-2582 today.
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Cari Diaz 
September 03 ,
2018 
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