College Selection Process
Congratulations! If you're visiting this page it's likely that you have been accepted into 1 or more colleges. Great job! Watch the short video below to reflect on all the steps you have already accomplished!
youtube url: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2ZmSVgkk5g
Okay, so you've been accepted to multiple schools.
How do you choose?!
First, take a breather. You've done the hard part- applying and getting accepted. How awesome! Now, you are faced with multiple school offers, and you're having difficulty deciding which is the best school for you. Below I've provided you with some basic steps to help you choose which school to attend.
Disclaimer: I don't believe in college "soul mates" if you will. There will be many colleges that fit all your needs and wants. There is a good chance you will be happy with any of those options. As long as you choose a college based on what YOU want/need, you're going to be just fine. :)
Disclaimer: I don't believe in college "soul mates" if you will. There will be many colleges that fit all your needs and wants. There is a good chance you will be happy with any of those options. As long as you choose a college based on what YOU want/need, you're going to be just fine. :)
Things to consider when making a final decision:
- If possible, narrow your options to 2 schools.
- Revisit your top college choices
- Spend the night or even better, stay a weekend! This will help you get a better feel of what the campus is really like: sleep in the dorms, eat in the cafeteria, attend a couple classes, and walk around campus (at day and night).
- Here's a list of questions to consider asking. Ask the questions you didn't ask the first time.
- Take a tour with just you and your parents. You may get a different feel for campus without the input of a tour guide. Also, you can visit the places on campus that you want to and don't have to worry about time.
Don't forget! If you cannot visit a college campus for a second time, take the tour online!
- Use the College Comparison Calculator
- Use this comparison calculator to compare your top colleges-you might come out with a clear winner. If not, don't worry! If your two or three options have a high ranking, then it is likely that any of your choices would be a good match!
- Make your own College Comparison chart using the factors most important to you! Here's a basic template.
- Make a list of pros and cons for each school. Here are some factors to think about:
- Athletic facilities
- Campus atmosphere
- Campus grounds
- Classrooms
- Clubs
- Coaches
- Dining hall food
- Dorm rooms
- Professors
- Safety
- Student body
- Sign up for a FREE account with CollegeWeek Live.
-Find scholarships to help fund your education.
-Listen to well known speakers and learn about finding a college match for you.
- Make a decision before May 1
- Respond to the financial aid award notification
- Apply for student and/or parent loans, if needed
- Notify the other schools of your decision and decline their awards (Click here to learn how to complete this step)
- Register for freshmen orientation
Additional Resources
- Visit eCampusTours for more information about how not to choose a college, college visits, tips for choosing colleges, and more.
- Tips for Surviving freshman year: Click here
- Download this Free App to help on your campus visit or when trying to match
Information retrieved from:
http://www.educationquest.org/11th-12th-grade-students/selecting-a-college/
https://www.ecampustours.com/for-students/college-planning/choosing-a-college/making-a-final-decision-visiting-campuses-post-ac.aspx#.UyjVq15bsy4
http://www.educationquest.org/11th-12th-grade-students/selecting-a-college/
https://www.ecampustours.com/for-students/college-planning/choosing-a-college/making-a-final-decision-visiting-campuses-post-ac.aspx#.UyjVq15bsy4