This is an exciting time in your college search process; the time when you get to compare your top options and make decisions about what matters most to you and where you will be happiest! Here are the top five suggestions for help in making this final decision:
1. Visit the top college choices in person and spend time on campus beyond just the information session and official tour. Interaction with other students and faculty members in your area of interest can help you determine the rigor and philosophy of the programs and if you feel it's a good fit for you.
2. Consider all of the majors offered at each college. You may be undecided, or you may think you know exactly what field you want to study. The reality is that many students do not stick with the major they choose at first, so it's important that the school has more than one area you are interested in. Exposure to new ideas and careers is part of the college process, so many students choose to go in a new direction. Having a college with many potential majors is one way to help make sure you can graduate in four years.
3. Take stock of the college offerings beyond academics. Remember that you are looking for the best personal choice socially, financially, and academically. Does the campus atmosphere offer a good fit for your personality and study preferences? Are there extracurricular activities that you are attracted to so you can get involved right away? Opportunities for research, internships, or other hands-on activities?
4. Research how your credits will transfer to each college. If you have college-level credits from IB, AP, CLEP, or other programs it's a good idea to ask the colleges you've been admitted to about how those credits will transfer in. Will they meet general education requirements, count toward a major or minor, or as a prerequisite for other required courses? Depending on each college's policy, there may be a chance to use these credits to graduate early (saving money), double-major, take a semester to study abroad, or just provide more academic flexibility in course selection.
5. Compare the costs and consider your Return on Investment. Once you have all of your acceptance letters you can compare the net costs of each college. When aid is compared be sure to consider "free" money from scholarships and grants differently than loans or work study money. Other factors may include if any of the colleges have a tuition freeze program which guarantees the rate for the entire four years (otherwise you can expect annual increases) and whether the offered aid is at the same rate for all four years or is only offered for the first year.
Confident College Planning helps students and parents take a careful look at their options so they can make the best personal choice. Contact me at nancy@confidentcollegeplanning.com to schedule a consultation.
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