Choosing A College
Consider the Features You Want
Once you know the type of college you're looking for, think about other factors such as:
Once you know the type of college you're looking for, think about other factors such as:
Location
Academic Programs
Campus Life
Cost and Financial Aid Availability
Facilities
Living Accommodations
Campus Safety
- How far away from home do you want to go?
- Do you want to live in a big city or small town?
Academic Programs
- Does the college offer the major you want? Is it strong in that academic area?
- If you're undecided, are a variety of majors you're interested in offered?
Campus Life
- What types of social and athletic events take place?
- Are fraternities and sororities, clubs or organizations available?
- Are the arts supported?
Cost and Financial Aid Availability
- What's the total cost of education at the college?
- How much financial aid is offered?
Facilities
- Are the student facilities, such as the library, athletic center and health center, adequate?
Living Accommodations
- Do most students live on or off campus?
- What housing options are available?
Campus Safety
- How reliable is campus security? (Request a copy of the campus security report from the college or visit http://www.ope.ed.gov/security)
- Understand your personal responsibility: Always lock your dorm room, gym lockers and cars. Be responsible and aware of your surroundings.
Questions to ask on a College Campus Visit:
http://www.actstudent.org/college/visit.html
http://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/find-colleges/campus-visit-guide/campus-visit-checklist
http://www.actstudent.org/college/visit.html
http://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/find-colleges/campus-visit-guide/campus-visit-checklist
U.S. News and World Report - Information on colleges, universities and majors across the country, including rankings of schools and tuition, hints on filling out college applications, and much more. http://www.usnews.com/education