THINGS TO THINK ABOUT WHEN
CHOOSING A COLLEGE
Rank these in order of importance to you. Feel free to add your own criteria in the blank space provided.
Career goals: If you know what you want to major in, that helps narrow the search.
_ Cost: Colleges don't all cost the same.
Financial aid: How much financial aid you get can influence which college you choose.
School size: You can choose from small colleges to large universities.
Location: You might want to go far away from home, live at home to save money, or choose somewhere in between.
Extracurricular activities: Some schools may provide more opportunities than others. Some may even offer you a scholarship to participate.
Special programs: Maybe you’d like to study abroad for a year or participate in an internship.
Demographics: Some schools are more diverse than others.
Feel: Make a college visit and go where you feel comfortable.
Requirements: Every school has its own admissions criteria.
Consider different kinds of postsecondary education options:
Consider different kinds of postsecondary education options:
O Public universities offer programs leading to bachelor's and master's degrees. Some offer doctorates and professional degrees.
O Private colleges and universities are similar to public universities but usually smaller.
O Community and technical colleges have diplomas, certificates and two-year associate's degrees you can use on the job or transfer to a four-year degree program.
O Career and technical schools offer specialized training in careers. May offer associate's degrees or programs leading directly to jobs.
O Apprenticeships give you on-the-job training and experience.
Preparing for College