Ten Easy Rules to Find the Right College

Choosing a college is far less difficult than most people think. There are just ten rules to remember.

1. Never make your final college selection without visiting at least your top two or three choices. No matter how well you think you know a college or university, you can learn a lot (good or bad) by spending a few hours on campus, including whether or not the college feels like a good "fit" for you. Bringing family members on college visits is a good idea because it gives you extra "eyes and ears" as well as people with whom you can discuss your impressions.

2. Do not, under any circumstances, break rule #1.

3. Don't make the common mistake of thinking that the colleges you have heard the most about are the best colleges (or the best colleges for you). Often, the colleges students hear the most about are those closest to their homes and/or those whose athletic teams appear on television regularly.

4. Investigate at least three or four colleges you know little or nothing about but offer the field(s) of study of interest to you, are appropriately selective for a students with your grades and SAT or ACT scores, and are located in geographic areas attractive to you. You have nothing to lose and you might make a great discovery.

5. There is only one thing dumber than selecting a college because your friends are headed there. It's choosing a college or university because your girlfriend or boyfriend is headed there.

6. College-bound students often get lots of input from well meaning family and friends. Unfortunately, much of it is inaccurate. Be careful when folks categorize a college as "too expensive", "impossible to get into", "a party school", "a top liberal arts school", etc. There is a lot of misinformation out there, and people often mindlessly pass on what they hear. Find out for yourself what is true and what isn't, and beware of people who oversimplify and over generalize.

7. Do not consider cost when putting together a list of colleges to investigate. That may sound strange, but it makes perfect sense because you really can not know how much it will cost you to attend a college until you have determined what kinds of scholarships or other financial aid you might be eligible to receive.

8. You may have to contend with ACT deadlines, SAT deadlines, scholarship deadlines, financial aid deadlines, and college application deadlines. Close your eyes for thirty seconds and imagine how stupid you will feel if you fail to get into a college or get money for which you qualify because you miss a deadline. Then, to avoid feeling stupid, write down all operative deadlines and check them often.

9. Most students (not all) should probably apply to at least eight colleges. Three should be "reach" colleges...colleges you are excited about but might need some luck to be admitted to. As the lottery ads say, "you never know", and your odds of getting into most colleges are better than your odds of winning the lottery. Then, carefully pick at least three colleges you really like and are likely to be admitted to. I say "carefully" because chances are you'll wind up at one of these colleges. Finally, choose two "safe" colleges...places you like which are virtually certain to offer you admission. Choose these colleges carefully too, so you'll have a good place to land if all else fails.

10. When it is time to make your final choice, discuss your options with your family, your counselor (if you have one), and others who know you well and whose judgement you value. If you have a tough time choosing among two or more colleges or universities it is probably because you have done a good job putting together your list and you will be happy at whichever institution you choose. Just make your choice and don't agonize over itsome of the best years of your life are ready to begin.

Article Source: http://mylilpeanut.com

Daniel Kane has worked in high schools, colleges, and universities for more than thirty years. He has websites on subjects including online education and education online .
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