Selecting a college is among the most significant decisions that a high school student can make. As much as rankings and prestige tend to receive the most attention, the ideal college for you may not always be the most highly ranked. Rather, it's the college where you connect with your own personal, academic, and professional aspirations. This blog will take you through ten must-ask questions to ask yourself—and the colleges on your list—to help you figure out whether or not a college is really right for you, far beyond the numbers.
Does the College Offer the Academic Programs and Flexibility You Need?
Start with your interests and goals. Does the school have solid programs in the major or area of study you want to pursue? If you are undecided, does it have a broad range of majors while allowing you enough time early on to explore some options? Look for interdisciplinary study, double majors, minors, and individually designed programs. Are there research, internship, and experiential learning options that are designed for high school students who wish to investigate their academic interests as closely as possible?
Questions to ask:
What are the most popular majors?
How easily can you switch to another major or have a self-designed program of study?
Are there research programs for undergraduates or honor programs?
What Is Campus Culture Like?
Each campus has its own unique culture. Certain campuses are known for their vibrant sporting events, others for their activism, artistry, or tight social communities with all the aforementioned. Plan to visit campus if possible, meet the students, and have a good look at student blogs or forums. Consider if you would prefer a more urban atmosphere with an energetic social life or a smaller or less active campus atmosphere.
you should consider asking some key questions:
What do students do to have fun? This all depend also on using time for academics?
Do students seem to participate in traditions or respond to events happening on campus that shape their student life?
Can you identify the diversity of engagement in the student body? Is it inclusive?
How Accessible Are Professors and Academic Support Services?
An encouraging academic support environment can have a world of difference. Small classes, professors who have office hours, and strong support services, such as teaching assistants/tutors, writing centers, and advising, can help high school students transition into doing college-level work.
Questions to ask:
What is the student/faculty ratio?
Are professors available outside of class?
What support activities are there for students who need support?
What Are the Outcomes for Graduates?
Consider the four years you’ll be spending on campus, but you also need to look beyond that. Take a look at their graduation rates, job placement rates, graduate school acceptance rates, and economies. Some colleges have strong partnerships with employers or have career services tailored to certain areas, which is perfect for high school students who want a pathway to jobs and graduate school.
Questions to consider:
What percentage of graduates are employed or in graduate school within 6 months?
What companies participate in recruitment on campus?
How active is the alumni network?
What Is the Cost, and What Financial Aid Is Available?
College affordability is important. Don’t reject schools based on their sticker prices—think about their net price calculators, average offerings in financial aid awards, and scholarship possibilities. Look into work-study programs, as well as if schools allow for merit (or anniversary) awards to non-transferential high school students based on academic or extracurricular accomplishments.
Questions to consider:
What is the average net price for students similar to myself?
What percentage of students receive financial aid?
Are there specific scholarships for my achievements or interests?
Where Is the College Located, and How Does That Affect Your Experience?
Location affects climate, lifestyle, resources, internship, and job opportunities. There may be greater access to businesses and cultural activities available on urban campuses. If a campus life is hinted at a rural or suburban character, it may represent the opposite of urban living in being quieter and a more tight-knit community. Several logistics are involved in the lifestyle aspect of location such as modes of transportation, distance from home, or the cost of a college education based on proximity or access to resources like food markets.
Key questions to use in assessing location are:
Is the campus located in a city, suburb, or rural area?
What does the surrounding community look like?
Are there internship or job possibilities nearby?
What Housing and Dining Options Are Available?
Your living conditions and food situation can end up meaning way more than you realize. There are a lot of colleges that require students to live on campus for the first year, others require freshmen to move off-campus after they finish freshman year, and others don't provide any housing option. Food accommodations, dining options, flexibility and structure are also more important than you might think for high schoolers who are everyday "eat the same things" kind of people.
Important questions to ask:
Do you have to live on campus as a freshmen?
What are the dorms like?
How flexible are the meal plans?
What Support Services Exist for Student Well-Being?
Student success depends on mental health, physical health and well-being; learn about wellness programs, health services, disability services and counseling services. High school students transitioning to college often have a good support network.
Key questions to ask:
What is available for mental health services?
Is there a health center on campus?
How does the college support students with disabilities?
How Easy Is It to Get Involved on Campus?
Extracurriculars can be clubs, sports, student government, or volunteer work offers an enriching experience in college and will help you develop new skills and friendships. Some colleges have hundreds of options, some very niche. If you're a high school student who belongs to a club and plays a sport, it'll be very important to look for these opportunities in college! Some key questions to ask:
How many student organizations exist on campus?
Are leadership opportunities available for underclassmen?
What is the process for starting a new club?
What Makes This College Unique?
Every college has something special: signature programs, traditions, or a unique educational philosophy. It might be a study abroad program braces, a commitment to service-learning,recovering or a first-year experience that stands out. Students will work to identify what is unique to each college so that they can discover where they think they will flourish.
Important questions to ponder:
What are the signature programs or traditions of the college?
How does college promote innovation or creative thinking?
What are some of the stories shared by current students or alumni?
Conclusion: Finding the College That’s Good for You
The “best” college isn’t determined by the ranking lists. An institution is best judged by the challenge, support and inspiration YOU will receive to grow as a person, and reach your aspirations. As a high school student seeking competitive summer programs, and even formulating your college journey, you can use these ten questions to see past the numbers. Visit the campuses. Talk to students and faculty. Think about what is important for YOU.
Choosing a college is about finding the best fit for YOU - a college where you can immerse yourself in the studying of your interests, hone existing skills, develop new skills, and prepare you for the next stage of your life after graduation. Asking yourself thoughtful questions and pondering what makes a college good for YOU, will allow you to make a wise and confident decision.
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