Selecting a College
Intro	The best way for a student to choose a college is to determine what college characteristics are important to him/her. Once the student has determined exactly what they are looking for, they should create a "starter" list. This list may contain 10-20 colleges which the student finds appealing. It is at this point that a student must begin to further investigate each college and begin to shrink the list to 4-6 wise choices. Further investigation would include reading college guide books, college viewbooks and catalogs, talking to friends and family, meeting students who attend the school, and visiting the campus. Nothing can assure a student more about the right "feel" of a college than a campus visit. Most colleges offer open house and weekend events on campus prospective students. You can also visit colleges by simply making an appointment. When visiting a college, be sure to take notes, or even pictures, to help you remember each college. Think of questions you would like to ask and if at all possible, meet with someone in the admission and financial aid offices. Plan to visit when classes are in session and the admissions office is open. Encourage your child to visit classes and stay overnight in the dormitories. Talk to students about the college environment and its academic, extracurricular, and social life.
Factors to Consider When Selecting a College	A. Size Colleges vary in size- from small private colleges to the large state universities. Smaller colleges provide students with many benefits. Small class size allows a closer interaction between students and professors, there is a greater emphasis on the development of each student, and students have the opportunities to get involved. Larger colleges offer students a greater variety of courses and activites. There are usually advanced facilities and resources like state-of-the-art science equipment, etc. Larger schools generally have national recognition and students are able to enjoy anonymity if they so choose. B. Location When considering location, think about the following questions: Do you prefer to be close to home? Would you rather attend a college in a big city or a small rural town? Living near a large city offers students the advantages of many cultural activites, malls, and entertainment. Colleges in small towns provide a more personal, relaxed atmosphere. C. Cost Costs vary greatly from one college to another. Many students, however, limit themselves too early in the college selection process when it comes to cost. Don't let the cost intimidate you when applying to college. There are many forms of financial assistance available. D. Two Year or Four Year College Community colleges and junior colleges are low-cost, two year undergraduate schools that serve as an alternative to four yeat programs. The course of study at a community college is designed to let students transfer credits to a four year college. E. Other factors to consider    1. Academic Offerings: Does the school offer your major? If you are undecided about a major, does the school offer areas of interest?    2. A liberal arts college provides students with a variety of academic offerings which allow the student to explore his/her interests. A liberal arts school provides a strong background to those students planning to continue in graduate school.    3. Coeducation or single sex    4. Religious or ethnic orientation    5. Are the activities you are interested in available> Do you like the option of joining a fraternity or sorority?
Questions to Ask While Visiting a College	1. Is much of the teaching load carried by graduate assistants? 2. Are faculty members generally available for consultation and help? 3. How large are the freshman classes? 4. How large are the classes once I get in my major? 5. What is the job placement record for students in my major? 6. What is the placement record to graduate? 7. How comfortable are the dorms? How many students are housed in one room? 8. Is housing guaranteed? 9. What social activities are available? What role do fraternities and sororities play in the lives of the students? 10. Are the professors likely to know my name?
Deciding Where to Apply	1. Highly Competitive or Reach Schools: These are schools where the student's chance of acceptance is not likely but possible. 2. "50/50" Schools: There schools present the student with a 50% chance of acceptance. 3. Realistic Schools: These are the schools where the student feels confident that he/she will be accepted. A student should be very comfortable with these schools because he/she has a good chance of attending.