How to Choose a College

Ms. Pietris

School Counselor

Making Choices

There are many factors to consider in selecting a college or university

Start by examining your own goals, interests, and plans for future

Most important is the FIT between individual and school

Types of Schools

Public or private

Two year schools

Community colleges

Professional and technical schools

Four year schools

Colleges

Universities

There’s a type for everyone

Academic Program

What do you want to study?

Think about your interests, strengths, career ideas

Consider taking an interest inventory test

Schools often have strengths in a particular academic area

Ability to change your plan of study if your interests change

• How close to home?• Campus setting

• Urban

• Suburban

• Rural

Location

Campus Size• Do you want a school that is:

• Small

• Medium

• Large

• Physical design of the campus

Student Body

What do you want your campus to look like?

Coed or single sex

Ethnic diversity

LGBTQ community

Accessibility for differently abled

Geographic diversity

International Education

• Interactions with students from around the globe

• Study abroad opportunities

Extracurricular Life Sports Clubs Arts Fraternities/sororities

Social events Community service Dining Tutoring

Living Arrangements Home or away? On-campus and off-campus housing options Space inside dorm rooms Number of roommates

Financial Considerations

Cost of the school Private Public

In-state versus out of state

Financial Aid Loans Scholarships &

Grants

“Finding Your Fit” worksheet

Practice search

College View search tool & university selection guide

www.collegeview.com

Final Thoughts

Fit is most important

Choosing a college is not competition; it is about the match

Visit colleges

Research individual college websites

Attend college fairs

Talk to students, alumni, & faculty

Resources

College View Search Tool & University Selection Guide

http://www.collegeview.com/index.jsp

New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) http://www.hesc.ny.gov/content.nsf/SFC/College_Planning