Choosing the college that is right for you

The threshold period before entering an institute of higher education can be one that is filled with anxiety, frustration and also excitement. Friends give you one opinion. A family gives you several more. Your high school teachers throw in their two pennies worth. Finally, you are left not knowing what to choose. In today’s world, not only are there many top-notch colleges offering a mind-boggling variety of courses, there are equally a large number of fraudulent institutions that are not all that they seem to be.

Here are some simple suggestions for choosing the right college for your needs.

• Make a list of the type of college you are looking for in terms of on-campus or online colleges, co-educational or only boys /girls. Also, you would need to decide if you wish to have accommodation on campus or if you prefer to commute and be a day scholar.
• Then, make a list of three subjects that you have an aptitude for and that you would like to major in. Always remember that your specific educational choice may not be the most lucrative in terms of employment after college, but that it is equally important to follow your heart so that you don’t choose a field of study that doesn’t interest you.
• Next, try to identify the specific state in which you wish to study. Federal aid may vary from state to state, so remember to thoroughly research all possible funding options in the state/college that you shortlist.
• Try to think about whether you want to study in a big or small college. Many small colleges offer non-conventional streams that might just be what you are looking for.
• There are literally thousands of colleges across the USA and making the right choice isn’t simply as easy as a magical formula. Choosing the right college takes time and research. Do listen to the views and suggestions of family, your seniors, and academic counselors before making your shortlist. Visiting educational fairs may also be a way of getting detailed information about all available options.
• It is surely advisable to organize all the details you collect through various sources in a systematic manner using data organization software so that you have an at-a-glance spreadsheet that summarizes all your observations.
• Start researching well in advance and be meticulous about details, for this is what will hold you in good stead when it comes to making your final shortlist. Good luck with your college hunt.