13 answers
Leeyah
Student
Freeport, Florida
2
Questions
Asked
4419 views
Does anyone have tips in finding out if a college is right for you??
I have a list of colleges I'm interested in right now, and I think they are great options for me and my goals, but I would just love some confirmation if anyone has tips or knowledge from their college research experience
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13 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1899
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
When selecting a college Leeyah, five key factors are crucial for making the right choice: ACADEMIC FIT, FINANCIAL FIT, CAMPUS CULTURE & ENVIRONMENT, LOCATION and CAREER SERVICES. Considering these five aspects will help ensure a positive and successful college experience.
1️⃣ ACADEMIC FIT — This involves ensuring the college offers strong programs in your desired major, has faculty with expertise in your areas of interest, and provides opportunities for research or hands-on learning. Consider class sizes and the overall academic environment to see if it aligns with your learning style.
2️⃣ FINANCIAL FIT — Evaluate the cost of tuition, fees, housing, and other expenses, and compare it with available financial aid, grants, and scholarships. Graduating with manageable debt is crucial, so explore all financing options.
3️⃣ CAMPUS CULTURE — Explore the campus environment, social life, and extracurricular activities. Consider if the student body's interests and values align with your own. A positive and inclusive campus culture can contribute to a fulfilling college experience.
4️⃣ LOCATION — Consider your preference for proximity to home, access to specific amenities, and the overall environment of the college town or city. A location that feels comfortable and supportive can positively impact your college experience.
5️⃣ CAREER SERVICES — Research the career services offered by the college, such as internships, job placement assistance, and alumni networks. These resources can be crucial for preparing for your future career and networking opportunities.
CONCUSSION
I can’t emphasize this enough – start your college search early. It takes time to explore different colleges and determine what they offer in terms of academics and extracurricular activities. You also want to know more about their location, their tuition fees, their dorms, and facilities, among other things. Finding that one school that’s the right fit for you in every way can take a considerable amount of time. Starting too late can cause you to make the wrong choice when it comes to college. The earlier you start, the better your chances of zeroing in on that perfect school for you.
The best way to get a feel for a campus is to take a tour. They let experience the atmosphere of a college first-hand and you may know right away whether or not you could be comfortable there. You can ask questions, talk to current students, and explore the campus (within reason). Could you imagine yourself being there? Some students may discover the college is nothing like they expected during their visit and it could sway their opinion of the school one way or the other.If you can’t take an actual college tour, consider a virtual tour. However, an in-person visit to the campus will always triumph as many schools will only show you what they want you to see during a virtual tour.
Hope this will be helpful Leeyah
Admission statistics can give you information about how many students apply to a college and how many students are accepted out of that pool. Students can get some insight into how likely they are to receive an acceptance letter based on these numbers and how they can improve their acceptance chances.
Graduation rate percentages highlight how many students graduated after 4, 6, and 8 years at the college. The higher the percentage, the more students stayed at the college to earn their degree. If the college has a lower percentage, interested students should look into why others are leaving the school early.
A student-to-faculty ratio highlights how many students there are per faculty. It’s determined by dividing the total number of students by the total number of professors at the college. Lower ratios could mean more intimate class sizes and more time for professors to have 1 on 1 time with their students during office hours. Higher ratios may mean the college is bigger and classes tend to be lecture style.
The schools first year retention rate numbers will tell you how many students stayed on after they completed their first year of college. For example, if a college has a lower first year retention rate, you should investigate the “why” behind this statistic. You might find interesting information about the school that influences your decision to attend, or you could discover the reason they’re leaving is not a reason you’d leave.
1️⃣ ACADEMIC FIT — This involves ensuring the college offers strong programs in your desired major, has faculty with expertise in your areas of interest, and provides opportunities for research or hands-on learning. Consider class sizes and the overall academic environment to see if it aligns with your learning style.
2️⃣ FINANCIAL FIT — Evaluate the cost of tuition, fees, housing, and other expenses, and compare it with available financial aid, grants, and scholarships. Graduating with manageable debt is crucial, so explore all financing options.
3️⃣ CAMPUS CULTURE — Explore the campus environment, social life, and extracurricular activities. Consider if the student body's interests and values align with your own. A positive and inclusive campus culture can contribute to a fulfilling college experience.
4️⃣ LOCATION — Consider your preference for proximity to home, access to specific amenities, and the overall environment of the college town or city. A location that feels comfortable and supportive can positively impact your college experience.
5️⃣ CAREER SERVICES — Research the career services offered by the college, such as internships, job placement assistance, and alumni networks. These resources can be crucial for preparing for your future career and networking opportunities.
CONCUSSION
I can’t emphasize this enough – start your college search early. It takes time to explore different colleges and determine what they offer in terms of academics and extracurricular activities. You also want to know more about their location, their tuition fees, their dorms, and facilities, among other things. Finding that one school that’s the right fit for you in every way can take a considerable amount of time. Starting too late can cause you to make the wrong choice when it comes to college. The earlier you start, the better your chances of zeroing in on that perfect school for you.
The best way to get a feel for a campus is to take a tour. They let experience the atmosphere of a college first-hand and you may know right away whether or not you could be comfortable there. You can ask questions, talk to current students, and explore the campus (within reason). Could you imagine yourself being there? Some students may discover the college is nothing like they expected during their visit and it could sway their opinion of the school one way or the other.If you can’t take an actual college tour, consider a virtual tour. However, an in-person visit to the campus will always triumph as many schools will only show you what they want you to see during a virtual tour.
Hope this will be helpful Leeyah
Doc recommends the following next steps:
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
800
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
I would go on a Campus Tour, to determine if the college is a right fit, and spend some time on campus getting to know the geography and where everything is located.
One thing, that I have observed in my career, is students coming to a college without really knowing anything about the campus, its environment, or the region.
Especially information on campus resources, academic majors, student life and housing, admissions, security and parking, library resources, and other elements of the campus.
I have observed many students, who just showed up, stayed for a few days, and then left for good.
It is best to spend time at the campus, talking with the students, staff, and getting a cognitive map of the region, to determine if it is the right fit for you.
Not only does it have to fit you, but it also needs to fit your family, because they are going to go through the experience of having you away from home, and potentially providing you with resources, that you will require in order to achieve your goals on campus.
One thing, that I have observed in my career, is students coming to a college without really knowing anything about the campus, its environment, or the region.
Especially information on campus resources, academic majors, student life and housing, admissions, security and parking, library resources, and other elements of the campus.
I have observed many students, who just showed up, stayed for a few days, and then left for good.
It is best to spend time at the campus, talking with the students, staff, and getting a cognitive map of the region, to determine if it is the right fit for you.
Not only does it have to fit you, but it also needs to fit your family, because they are going to go through the experience of having you away from home, and potentially providing you with resources, that you will require in order to achieve your goals on campus.
Phill Pezo
Industrial Design
28
Answers
Nutley, New Jersey
Updated
Phill’s Answer
Hey Leeyah,
It is great that you are looking for confirmation on which schools to attend before making a decision. It is definitely a big one and is good that you want to make sure it is for you. There are a few suggestions I have that might help with this. Firstly, reach out to the schools you are considering. Some will have emails of professors and admins on their website and the students might have a students social media page. Try reaching out to them, share your interest in their program and see if they can give you any more information or opinions. Make sure to have your questions prepared. Then, if you are able to travel to them, some schools will also have open days where you can visit the campus, your major, and to talk to staff involved in the programs. Some will even have an option to stay over night. Make a list of all the things you would like for your experience and see what might best align with that.
Best of luck with your search!
It is great that you are looking for confirmation on which schools to attend before making a decision. It is definitely a big one and is good that you want to make sure it is for you. There are a few suggestions I have that might help with this. Firstly, reach out to the schools you are considering. Some will have emails of professors and admins on their website and the students might have a students social media page. Try reaching out to them, share your interest in their program and see if they can give you any more information or opinions. Make sure to have your questions prepared. Then, if you are able to travel to them, some schools will also have open days where you can visit the campus, your major, and to talk to staff involved in the programs. Some will even have an option to stay over night. Make a list of all the things you would like for your experience and see what might best align with that.
Best of luck with your search!
Aparna Manoj
Technical Product Manager
43
Answers
Sunnyvale, California
Updated
Aparna’s Answer
Hi Leeyah, choosing the right college is a big decision, but it's also an exciting one! Think about what kind of environment suits you best. Consider what makes you feel comfortable in both learning and social settings. Reflect on past experiences to identify what you want to avoid in the future. By doing this, you'll discover what you truly want in a college. Here are some things to think about:
- Student body size: Do you like the idea of a big campus with lots of events and school spirit? Or do you prefer a smaller school where you can have closer interactions with professors and easily find your group of friends?
- Diversity: Check out how diverse the student body is in terms of race, gender, sexuality, and economic background. If diversity matters to you, it's important to know what the college offers.
- Program strength: Look into how strong the college is in your area of interest. Research opportunities like internships and job placements for graduates. Make sure the college can help you reach your career goals.
- Alumni network: A strong alumni network can be a great resource for finding mentors and networking. See if alumni stay involved and if that's something you'd like to be part of.
- Student organizations: Find out if there are clubs and activities that interest you. These can be a great way to explore new interests and grow personally.
- Facilities: Visit the campuses you’re interested in and check out the facilities. If health is important to you, see if there's a gym and healthy food options available.
These are just a few ideas to get you started. As you visit schools and do more research, you'll discover even more about what you want. Best of luck on this exciting journey!
- Student body size: Do you like the idea of a big campus with lots of events and school spirit? Or do you prefer a smaller school where you can have closer interactions with professors and easily find your group of friends?
- Diversity: Check out how diverse the student body is in terms of race, gender, sexuality, and economic background. If diversity matters to you, it's important to know what the college offers.
- Program strength: Look into how strong the college is in your area of interest. Research opportunities like internships and job placements for graduates. Make sure the college can help you reach your career goals.
- Alumni network: A strong alumni network can be a great resource for finding mentors and networking. See if alumni stay involved and if that's something you'd like to be part of.
- Student organizations: Find out if there are clubs and activities that interest you. These can be a great way to explore new interests and grow personally.
- Facilities: Visit the campuses you’re interested in and check out the facilities. If health is important to you, see if there's a gym and healthy food options available.
These are just a few ideas to get you started. As you visit schools and do more research, you'll discover even more about what you want. Best of luck on this exciting journey!
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
689
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
I ended up working part time and going to a Junior College part time as a way to test things out. I found a passion for my major and decided to continue. Maybe going part time while also working can allow you to test things without overcommitting.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2141
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to know you have shortlisted sla number of colleges. Different colleges have strength on different subjects. It might be better to match with the careers you have interest.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Identify the careers you have interest. The relevant subjects are the major and minor you can focus.
2. Attend the information session hosts by faculty of colleges. Speak to the professors if you can on their selection criteria.
3. Match your expected academic result with the expectations
4. Identify the colleges you can focus to obtain the provisional offer.
5. Work hard on your academic to meet the criteria
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Identify the careers you have interest. The relevant subjects are the major and minor you can focus.
2. Attend the information session hosts by faculty of colleges. Speak to the professors if you can on their selection criteria.
3. Match your expected academic result with the expectations
4. Identify the colleges you can focus to obtain the provisional offer.
5. Work hard on your academic to meet the criteria
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Alexander Ala
Educational Consultancy
2
Answers
Akure, Nigeria
Updated
Alexander’s Answer
How to Know If a College Is Right for You
Choosing the right college can be challenging, especially when you have a list of good options. To make the best choice, start by identifying your priorities—such as academics, career goals, campus life, location, and cost. Knowing what matters most to you will help you focus your research.
Next, dive deeper into each college. Look at their programs, visit if you can (or take virtual tours), and explore student organizations and support services. Check graduation rates, job placement stats, and alumni outcomes to see how well the school supports student success.
Talking to current students or recent graduates can give you honest insight into campus life and academics. Use online tools like College Scorecard, Niche, or the Common Data Set to compare colleges objectively.
While your gut feeling is important, make sure it’s backed by facts. And to stay organized, create a spreadsheet to compare your top schools based on your key priorities.
In the end, the right college is the one that fits your goals, values, and future plans.
Choosing the right college can be challenging, especially when you have a list of good options. To make the best choice, start by identifying your priorities—such as academics, career goals, campus life, location, and cost. Knowing what matters most to you will help you focus your research.
Next, dive deeper into each college. Look at their programs, visit if you can (or take virtual tours), and explore student organizations and support services. Check graduation rates, job placement stats, and alumni outcomes to see how well the school supports student success.
Talking to current students or recent graduates can give you honest insight into campus life and academics. Use online tools like College Scorecard, Niche, or the Common Data Set to compare colleges objectively.
While your gut feeling is important, make sure it’s backed by facts. And to stay organized, create a spreadsheet to compare your top schools based on your key priorities.
In the end, the right college is the one that fits your goals, values, and future plans.
Sharven Rane
Data Scientist
15
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Sharven’s Answer
One of the best ways to figure out if a college is right for you is to look beyond rankings and focus on alignment with your goals. Check how strong the school is in your area of interest, what kind of support it offers (academic, career, mental health), and what outcomes look like such as job placements, internships, or grad school acceptances. Use tools like net price calculators, student vlogs, Reddit threads, and LinkedIn to gather real, on-the-ground insights. Talking to current students or recent grads can give you a clearer picture than any brochure.
Also, take a long-term view. College is just 3–4 years, but it shapes the next 40. Start by identifying the field or lifestyle you want, then work backwards research where top alumni or industry professionals in that field studied and what paths they took. Shadow role models, study their journeys, and see how well the college you’re considering helps students reach those kinds of outcomes. The right college is one that not only feels like a good fit now but also sets you up for where you want to be later.
Also, take a long-term view. College is just 3–4 years, but it shapes the next 40. Start by identifying the field or lifestyle you want, then work backwards research where top alumni or industry professionals in that field studied and what paths they took. Shadow role models, study their journeys, and see how well the college you’re considering helps students reach those kinds of outcomes. The right college is one that not only feels like a good fit now but also sets you up for where you want to be later.
Tony Roig
Volunteer
84
Answers
New Hope, Pennsylvania
Updated
Tony’s Answer
Hi Leeyah,
You have already received some great and very complete advice, so I would only add that do some soul searching and utilize AI tools along with the suggestions already provided to help confirm your preferences, interests and priorities. Also, take some good career tests that also consider your personality along with your interests, preferences, abilities to identify matching occupations and careers. You guidance office or college career services can provide such assessments for free and help you evaluate the results. You could then provide all the information to chatgpt or other AI tool to see what programs/colleges it selects based on your profile. You should also check out CareerVillage's AI tool called Coach and ask it as well. Just make sure you provide it enough information but I have found it very helpful and a great way to validate and/or confirm one's reasoning for making decisions or offering alternative choices. All the best,
Tony
You have already received some great and very complete advice, so I would only add that do some soul searching and utilize AI tools along with the suggestions already provided to help confirm your preferences, interests and priorities. Also, take some good career tests that also consider your personality along with your interests, preferences, abilities to identify matching occupations and careers. You guidance office or college career services can provide such assessments for free and help you evaluate the results. You could then provide all the information to chatgpt or other AI tool to see what programs/colleges it selects based on your profile. You should also check out CareerVillage's AI tool called Coach and ask it as well. Just make sure you provide it enough information but I have found it very helpful and a great way to validate and/or confirm one's reasoning for making decisions or offering alternative choices. All the best,
Tony
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian-Nutritionist & Software Developer since 1972 🡆 Optimization Of Human Performance
6844
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Leeyah!
GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION?
Nearby, especially to facilities. Many students desire not to translocate to another city, leaving their parents, relatives and friends.
LEVEL OF ACADEMIC STANDING?
Where is the college ranked in its quality of teaching. Is it ranked with the Ivy League of universities?
SUBJECT COVERAGE?
Does the curriculum include your primary subjects of interest for prospective majors and specialties?
TUITION FEES?
Is the institution financially affordable, can you procure scholarships?
WHAT IS THE EMPLOYMENT MARKET LIKE?
For the qualification you are studying, what is the probability that your newly acquired skills will be in demand, without you having to move to, for example a remote location.
IS THERE A PROSPECT OF RESEARCH WORK WITHIN THE INSTITUTION?
University researchers contribute to academic subjects and raise the standard of learning.
CAN YOU PROCURE INTERNSHIP WORK WHILE STUDYING?
This can alleviate financial stress by providing extra income and lead to a research position in the future.
IS THE HEAD OF DEPARTMENT AMICABLE?
Nobody wants a grizzle bear ...
MY ACADEMIC ATTRIBUTES
There are some personal attributes that colleges look at for your admission as a student. Why go for a university of high academic standing? Well, the sort of job you can get speaks volumes! One that academe looks for is Grade Point Average. Is there a way to dramatically increase yours? Harvard University only accepts 3% of applicants! This will put demands on GPA too. You need to be in the top 1% to 5% of academic achievers.
YOUR STUDY ORGAN
The human brain needs special nutrients for peak performance. Protein amino acids are primary. Steady blood glucose level is secondary. Complex carbohydrate low-glycemic index foods like dark pumpernickel rye bread or baked beans are essential for this. These keep the blood glucose level over time. Otherwise, insulin dominates, sending simple fast-acting carbohydrates, sweet excesses of glucose to adipose [fat] stores. Another requisite is B complex vitamins for brain function, the construction of neurotransmitters. Magnesium should not be ignored either - it does 300 jobs in the human body.
NUTRITION
Have small meals at pitstops throughout the day with small portions of these sorts of foods. I have observed the academic "masters of studies" in action. These were medical students which I tutored, typically achieving 9/10. Keep your fluids up to 33 milliliters per kilogram body weight per day. Each meal should be miniature of the Healthy Food Pyramid.
Here is evidence of this in PubMed. SEE https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27599886/ (Burrows T, Goldman S, Pursey K, Lim R. Is there an association between dietary intake and academic achievement: a systematic review. J Hum Nutr Diet. 2017 Apr;30(2):117-140. doi: 10.1111/jhn.12407. Epub 2016 Sep 7. PMID: 27599886.)
GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION?
Nearby, especially to facilities. Many students desire not to translocate to another city, leaving their parents, relatives and friends.
LEVEL OF ACADEMIC STANDING?
Where is the college ranked in its quality of teaching. Is it ranked with the Ivy League of universities?
SUBJECT COVERAGE?
Does the curriculum include your primary subjects of interest for prospective majors and specialties?
TUITION FEES?
Is the institution financially affordable, can you procure scholarships?
WHAT IS THE EMPLOYMENT MARKET LIKE?
For the qualification you are studying, what is the probability that your newly acquired skills will be in demand, without you having to move to, for example a remote location.
IS THERE A PROSPECT OF RESEARCH WORK WITHIN THE INSTITUTION?
University researchers contribute to academic subjects and raise the standard of learning.
CAN YOU PROCURE INTERNSHIP WORK WHILE STUDYING?
This can alleviate financial stress by providing extra income and lead to a research position in the future.
IS THE HEAD OF DEPARTMENT AMICABLE?
Nobody wants a grizzle bear ...
MY ACADEMIC ATTRIBUTES
There are some personal attributes that colleges look at for your admission as a student. Why go for a university of high academic standing? Well, the sort of job you can get speaks volumes! One that academe looks for is Grade Point Average. Is there a way to dramatically increase yours? Harvard University only accepts 3% of applicants! This will put demands on GPA too. You need to be in the top 1% to 5% of academic achievers.
YOUR STUDY ORGAN
The human brain needs special nutrients for peak performance. Protein amino acids are primary. Steady blood glucose level is secondary. Complex carbohydrate low-glycemic index foods like dark pumpernickel rye bread or baked beans are essential for this. These keep the blood glucose level over time. Otherwise, insulin dominates, sending simple fast-acting carbohydrates, sweet excesses of glucose to adipose [fat] stores. Another requisite is B complex vitamins for brain function, the construction of neurotransmitters. Magnesium should not be ignored either - it does 300 jobs in the human body.
NUTRITION
Have small meals at pitstops throughout the day with small portions of these sorts of foods. I have observed the academic "masters of studies" in action. These were medical students which I tutored, typically achieving 9/10. Keep your fluids up to 33 milliliters per kilogram body weight per day. Each meal should be miniature of the Healthy Food Pyramid.
Here is evidence of this in PubMed. SEE https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27599886/ (Burrows T, Goldman S, Pursey K, Lim R. Is there an association between dietary intake and academic achievement: a systematic review. J Hum Nutr Diet. 2017 Apr;30(2):117-140. doi: 10.1111/jhn.12407. Epub 2016 Sep 7. PMID: 27599886.)
Kellee Scott
Director, MBA Admissions at USC Marshall School of Business
24
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Kellee’s Answer
Hi Leeyah,
What a great journey it is to find a college that suits you. You've completed the first step by narrowing your choices down. Next:
1. Visit the campuses. Sometimes just walking around gives you a feel of whether you'd like the environment. Know your weather tolerance as well. Dark winters can be brutal for someone not used to them, which can affect your study habits and ultimately your grades.
2. Talk to people while you're there. Ask other students why they chose the college, not just the student ambassadors who are selected to advocate.
3. Make sure the college offers classes in your area of career interest, as well as classes for growth in other areas of passion/interest/hobby. Study hard, but have some fun as well. I love horses and I regret not taking the horseback riding class offered a my school for fun.
4. Make sure the career services meet your needs. I dealt with graduate students in my career, and many shared that their undergraduate school had less than adequate career resources so they had to do all steps in seeking employment themselves. Career centers don't hand you a job, but they should have coaching and resources to prepare you to be the best candidate for the role you seek.
5. Financial consideration is the final step. Student loan debt can be a burden, so keep it as low as possible. Just know that you don't have to attend an expensive school to get a great education. To be transparent, I am debt adverse. I turned down a highly selective, expensive school because of the loan debt I would have at graduation. I attended an in-state "ivy" , graduated with minor loan debt, and had no problem getting a job and making connections. Just like with the weather, know your financial tolerance levels.
I hope this helps. Much success to you on your journey.
Kellee
What a great journey it is to find a college that suits you. You've completed the first step by narrowing your choices down. Next:
1. Visit the campuses. Sometimes just walking around gives you a feel of whether you'd like the environment. Know your weather tolerance as well. Dark winters can be brutal for someone not used to them, which can affect your study habits and ultimately your grades.
2. Talk to people while you're there. Ask other students why they chose the college, not just the student ambassadors who are selected to advocate.
3. Make sure the college offers classes in your area of career interest, as well as classes for growth in other areas of passion/interest/hobby. Study hard, but have some fun as well. I love horses and I regret not taking the horseback riding class offered a my school for fun.
4. Make sure the career services meet your needs. I dealt with graduate students in my career, and many shared that their undergraduate school had less than adequate career resources so they had to do all steps in seeking employment themselves. Career centers don't hand you a job, but they should have coaching and resources to prepare you to be the best candidate for the role you seek.
5. Financial consideration is the final step. Student loan debt can be a burden, so keep it as low as possible. Just know that you don't have to attend an expensive school to get a great education. To be transparent, I am debt adverse. I turned down a highly selective, expensive school because of the loan debt I would have at graduation. I attended an in-state "ivy" , graduated with minor loan debt, and had no problem getting a job and making connections. Just like with the weather, know your financial tolerance levels.
I hope this helps. Much success to you on your journey.
Kellee
Alexander Ala
Educational Consultancy
2
Answers
Akure, Nigeria
Updated
Alexander’s Answer
How to Know If a College Is Right for You
Choosing the right college can be challenging, especially when you have a list of good options. To make the best choice, start by identifying your priorities—such as academics, career goals, campus life, location, and cost. Knowing what matters most to you will help you focus your research.
Next, dive deeper into each college. Look at their programs, visit if you can (or take virtual tours), and explore student organizations and support services. Check graduation rates, job placement stats, and alumni outcomes to see how well the school supports student success.
Talking to current students or recent graduates can give you honest insight into campus life and academics. Use online tools like College Scorecard, Niche, or the Common Data Set to compare colleges objectively.
While your gut feeling is important, make sure it’s backed by facts. And to stay organized, create a spreadsheet to compare your top schools based on your key priorities.
In the end, the right college is the one that fits your goals, values, and future plans.
Choosing the right college can be challenging, especially when you have a list of good options. To make the best choice, start by identifying your priorities—such as academics, career goals, campus life, location, and cost. Knowing what matters most to you will help you focus your research.
Next, dive deeper into each college. Look at their programs, visit if you can (or take virtual tours), and explore student organizations and support services. Check graduation rates, job placement stats, and alumni outcomes to see how well the school supports student success.
Talking to current students or recent graduates can give you honest insight into campus life and academics. Use online tools like College Scorecard, Niche, or the Common Data Set to compare colleges objectively.
While your gut feeling is important, make sure it’s backed by facts. And to stay organized, create a spreadsheet to compare your top schools based on your key priorities.
In the end, the right college is the one that fits your goals, values, and future plans.
Aaron Bass
artist-educator
15
Answers
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Updated
Aaron’s Answer
The best thing you can do is contact the college and arrange to sit in on a class in your area of study. This means you will be getting a practical experience with a professor you may take classes with.
In addition to giving you insight, it increases your chances of acceptance. It signals to the school that you are going to take studying seriously and are less likely to be a negative statistic on there rankings (drop out rates are a factor).
In addition to giving you insight, it increases your chances of acceptance. It signals to the school that you are going to take studying seriously and are less likely to be a negative statistic on there rankings (drop out rates are a factor).