What are the Top 5 Factors to consider while choosing a college or university?

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Choosing a college or university for own self is one of the most important decisions you will make in your life as this place will have a prominent impact on your personal and professional life.

Before taking any decision in life, you need to consider your career goals. Everyone has different priorities and goals in life. 

Before you make a final decision,  sit down comfortably & carefully reflect on the career journey you have set in mind for yourself. What do you want to study? Do you want to get a job immediately after graduation? Do you want to do something in the professional area? If yes, what is it? 

No! Then? Do you want to become a scholar or an athlete? What is it that drives you?

Write them neatly in your diary & read them a good number of times to think sufficiently.

As it has been observed that many students select a college based on emotion or on a very limited set of criteria.

The most important factor seen is that majority of high school students don’t know what they want to do when they grow up !!

Selecting the best college for self is as much a process of learning about self as it is about prospective schools.

One may not know what career he or she wants to pursue after Graduation, but one must identify the areas of interest & what one is good at. Thinking about this will help to figure out which way you are leaning towards!!

 Avoid being like most high school seniors, who spent the last few months bombarded by hundreds of brochures, emails, texts, advertisements, social media posts in their hands with a single message: “Come to ABC College. It’s the BEST! 

HOW  do you CHOOSE  the COLLEGE that’s RIGHT  for YOU? What are the truly important things to consider?

It comes down to knowing yourself and what you value most. Here are some of the top factors to consider when choosing a college.  

1) Accreditation & Academic Courses Available:— 

While spending any time investigating a college, first make sure it is ACCREDITED. This means it meets basic academic standards for higher education & ensures that your degree will be recognized by employers and other institutions of higher education.

Do you already know what you want to study? Check to see if the colleges on your shortlist offer the specific course you want.

Are you the one,  not sure, what you want to study? No problem!

Make sure the colleges you’re interested in have a wide variety of majors & minors to choose from;  it helps you to explore and select your ideal field without transferring to another college. 

Keep in mind that many students switch majors (sometimes several times) throughout college. Even if you know what you want to study, you may change your mind later. It’s helpful to have a variety of programs available at the same college. 

The next important factor that you should consider before you select the ideal college for you is the Faculty

2) Cost & Financial Aid:–

The cost of higher education can have long-term implications on your life, so it’s an important factor to consider when choosing a college. Find out how much tuition & other fees will cost &  whether there are different rates.

At the same time, don’t let the price of your dream college scare you. 🔍 out the financial aid & scholarships available. Many times, they bring the tuition cost down to a  reasonable level. 

Wait until you’ve received a financial aid/scholarship decision. Then consider your ability to pay the balance and how much debt you’re willing to accumulate.

Keep in mind that the COST of a college is NOT indicative of its QUALITY. 

3) Location:–

How comfortable you are with the distance from home? 

What’s the climate like – warm & sunny or cold & snowy or maximum rainfall or humid throughout the year?

Is it in an urban, suburban, or rural area?

Is it close to your family or a bit further away?

How well are transportation factors to get home (airports, train stations, etc.)?

Are there things to do off-campus?

4) On-Campus Facilities &  Amenities Offered:—

WILL YOU FEEL AT HOME ON CAMPUS?

This is the most important factor to consider when choosing a college. 

So be sure to visit them to get a clear idea. There’s nothing like experiencing firsthand the spaces where you’ll eat, sleep, study, play, sit, rest, take care of!

You’re going to spend a lot of time on-campus – living there, in fact. So you’ll want to be comfortable in your home away from home, so find  out everything like: —

Residence Halls :  

What types of halls are available – singles, doubles, suite-style, apartment-style? How much do they cost? Who is eligible? Are there communities for like-minded students (same major, special interests, sports team, theatre groups, etc.)?

Dining Halls & Restaurants :  

What kind of meal plans are available? Where can you eat? Are there restaurants on campus or only dining halls? Do they accommodate special diets if needed?

On-Site Services : 

Does the college offer an on-campus library, pharmacy, medical care,  counseling center, bank, grocery & stationery store, pool, gym, or other needed services on campus?

Recreation Opportunities :  

Are there other recreation opportunities on campus? Is there a pool, basketball court, track, or other amenities that interest you?  What type of equipment do they have? Are fitness classes offered?

Student Activities :

Are you into football? Theatre? Writing? Cartoon or Animation making? Playing Percussion instruments? Singing? Marshal Art? Painting? Nature lover? 

Whatever your interests, find a college that allows you to pursue them! See what sports or co-curricular activities are offered and check out the role of student organizations on campus.