| When it comes to determining the fitting college, it's all | | | | on your own or do you want to stick close to friends |
| about concentrating on you. Getting into the right | | | | and family who can advise you when inevitable |
| school is one of the most far-reaching paths you will | | | | problems arise? While you may have a greater |
| make in your life. It not only directs the next four years, | | | | chance of being accepted by a college in a distant |
| but will, have continual ramifications throughout your life. | | | | location, remember also that the distance can also |
| Your particular goals may include things like a tree filled | | | | greatly effect your personal finances. Think about how |
| campus with stone faced buildings and professors | | | | independent you want to be from your family and |
| who work closely with students. Or you possibly fancy | | | | friends before making your choice. |
| a fast-paced contemporary environment with a | | | | How much are you willing to pay? |
| massive student body and a large assortment of | | | | State colleges usually offer lower tuition, and simpler |
| social activities. But whatever your priorities are, they | | | | college admissions forms, especially for residents. |
| are the starting position for finding exactly the fitting | | | | According to the College Board, the typical cost of a |
| university for you. And to help you locate the fitting | | | | state university is nearly $5,000, compared with |
| university, seriuosly think about the college admission | | | | $20,000 for a private university. But private colleges |
| methods. | | | | often offer more financial aid, and college admission aid |
| To help you define your goals, consider the following | | | | which may lessen the difference. Be sure, also, to ask |
| issues: | | | | about course offerings: with recent budget cutbacks, |
| What really interests you? | | | | many state universities plan for fewer sections of |
| Obviously your chosen major should be a top reason | | | | required classes. Often, state schools are preferable |
| in choosing a university. So do your research carefully. | | | | for their large classes, while private colleges tend to |
| Check out the college provisions through the college | | | | offer a more personal approach. |
| admission process. Talk to the teachers, current | | | | Small or large? |
| students, alumni, and college admission staff. Determine | | | | There is a noticeable difference between large and |
| what makes the program at their university better than | | | | small schools. Large schools with many thousands of |
| another school. Ask about opportunities for research, | | | | students will offer a better variety of classes and |
| field placement, internships, and mentoring programs. | | | | majors, but the class sizes will also generally be larger |
| And take a close look at the campus facilities-are the | | | | with less teacher-student interaction. On the other |
| labs, art studios, and recreation areas fully equipped? | | | | hand, smaller universities have a smaller academic |
| What is realistic? | | | | selection, but have a small town feel and you are less |
| Obviously not everyone who applies for any given | | | | likely to be lost amidst the masses of other students. |
| college will be accepted. As a result, many college | | | | The college admissions office usually welcomes |
| applicants end up giving their application money away | | | | visitors and will often schedule tours or campus visits |
| to universities who barely even consider them. It is | | | | so that you can get a feel for campus life. |
| very important to research how many students a | | | | Urban, Rural, or Suburban? |
| particular university is accepting and what kind of | | | | There are pluses and minuses for each. In a large city, |
| grades and test scores they are requiring to get in. | | | | there are limitless things to do that can flesh out your |
| You should contact the college admissions office in | | | | college experience. If you're a nature lover who |
| order to find out if the college is a good match for you. | | | | prefers mountain biking, kayaking, or cross-country |
| How independent are you? | | | | skiing, you might be happier at a school located in the |
| Heading off for college is a landmark change in | | | | country. Or, if you're wanting the best of both worlds, |
| anyone's life. The distance away from your family and | | | | you possibly think about a suburban school with a |
| friends will play a big role in where you choose to go | | | | tree-filled location and easy access to the city. |
| to school. Your willingness to go far away will be | | | | As you look for just the right university-always keep |
| largely determined by your level of independence. Do | | | | an open mind about your choices-this will lead you to |
| you want to leave your hometown and do everything | | | | the education that is suitable for you. |