FIND OUT WHAT COLLEGE IS RIGHT FOR YOU.
- LOCATION
- What is the nature of the surrounding environment (urban, suburban, rural, etc.), and is it to your liking?
- What is the size of the school’s campus, both in terms of acreage (an important consideration if your classes and/or dorm are far apart!) and number of students, and is it to your liking?
- Is the weather during the academic year to your liking?
- Are there accessible internship and other career opportunities, recreational opportunities, and amenities like grocery stores in the area?
- Can you live off campus if you want to, or if living on campus is important to you, is housing available?
- ACADEMICS
- Does the school have the major(s) you’re considering, or if you’re undecided, do they have a variety of majors you’re interested in exploring?
- Does the school have an honors college?
- How will the school help you determine and achieve your academic goals?
- How many students graduate “on time,” in four years?
- What is the average class size for introductory courses? For advanced courses?
- What are the professors in your programs like? What are they known for, and what have they accomplished?
- What kinds of internship and student-faculty research opportunities are there?
- What kind of accreditation does the program hold? How is it regarded in the field?
- Does the school offer a writing center or other tutoring programs?
- What is the student-faculty ratio?
- CAREER SERVICES
- How will the school help you determine and achieve your career goals?
- What is their postgraduate job placement rate like?
- What does the career services office offer?
- What kinds of internships have students held and how did they find those opportunities?
- COST
- What percentage of students receives financial aid, and how much on average?
- What percentage of students graduates with debt, and how much on average?
- Does financial aid include loans?
- How many years does it typically take students to graduate (because each year is another year of tuition, plus financial aid and scholarships might not extend beyond four years)?
- What kinds of scholarships are available to students (awarded by academic achievement, through college departments, etc.)?
- What kinds of work-study opportunities are there?
- EXTRACURRICULARS AND SOCIAL LIFE
- How do students spend their free time on campus and off?
- What kinds of fun things are available to students through the school and in the community?
- From sports teams to musical groups to volunteer organizations: can you get or stay involved with activities that are important to you?
- Are there clubs or organizations that pertain to your major or field of study?
- Can students start their own clubs, and what is the process for doing so?