Choosing the right college for you: to find the right college out of nearly 4,000 choices, you have to really know what you want, and then carefully weigh what schools have to offer - Selecting A School

Careers and Colleges, Sept-Oct, 2003 by Nancy Fitzgerald

CAREER PLANS

Do I have a major in mind? [] Yes [] No

Do I have a set career path in mind?

[] Yes [] No

Do I plan to go to graduate or professional school? [] Yes [] No

Am I serious about athletics and activities?

This adds a new dimension to your search as you consider which schools will be likely to welcome you to their teams or will offer the activities you're interested in, such as band, newspaper, or chess, if you're an athlete, talk to your coaches and assess your abilities. Although you may be good enough to get some playing time at a big school, you may be more likely to get a scholarship from a smaller school.

"Do you want to let the fact that you can only play Division III drive your selection process?" asks London. "Make up your mind at the start. If you wait, you might not get to play at all."

If you have an activity that you want to continue in college, you should check out the quality of the organization at your target schools.

ATHLETICS & ACTIVITIES

Is participation in a certain sport or activity important to me? [] Yes [] No

Would I be satisfied playing on an intramural or club team? [] Yes [] No

How many hours per week do I currently spend doing my sport or activity? --

Now You're Ready

Congratulations--you've got yourself figured out. Remember, though, that you're a work in progress, and the right college will offer you an amazing opportunity to grow and change.

"I was quiet in high school," recalls Megan Keefe, 22, a student at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. "But when I came here I started picking up new interests and I made a bunch of friends. I never expected to pledge a sorority, and I did. I found a boyfriend who's in a swing band, and I've gotten to know his friends, too. I made a good decision coming here, and I love it."

WEIGHING OPTIONS

Now that you've discovered what you're looking for, it's time to examine the options. Start by thinking about the broad categories listed below. Once you've narrowed down your selections, campus visits are essential. (See page 22.)

Public or Private?

State schools offer lower tuition, especially for in-state residents, According to the College Board, the typical cost of a state university (including tuition and room and board) is $9,663, compared with $25,052 for a private college. But private colleges often offer more financial aid, which may reduce the difference. Be sure to ask about course offerings. With recent budget cutbacks, many state universities schedule fewer sections of required courses, which means students must wait to get into those classes and then will take longer to graduate. Often, state universities are noted for their large classes, while private colleges tend to offer a more personal approach.

But don't make a decision based on the label--many state schools pride themselves on their personal, "private" atmosphere. The University of Missouri in Columbia, for example, has 23,000 students, but offers the individual attention of a smaller campus.

Small or Large?

Huge schools, like Penn State with more than 30,000 undergraduates, offer an amazing array of courses and majors, but sometimes the bureaucracy can be daunting and the professors inaccessible. Small schools generally offer a lower student-to-teacher ratio, smaller class sizes, and more interaction with faculty, but fewer course and program options. Before choosing, consider the pros and cons of each. Sit in on a lecture with 300 students at a big university and compare that experience with seminar-style discussion at a small college.