Choosing the "Right" College
There is not one "right" college but there is a "right" college for each individual. It is important to remember that parents, teachers, family, and friends will all be anxious to help you find the "right" school. Their experience can be very helpful when beginning to explore your options. Just keep in mind that someone else's "right" college may not be yours. Visit the school, go with your instinct and remember that it will be you who is planning to spend the next few years of your life there.
In recent years the term "college" has taken on a different meaning. As we have entered a more technological, global workplace the need for some type of post-secondary training after high school is now an important component of a young adults ability to thrive in this new marketplace. "College" can mean a number of post-secondary educational options including: Four-year colleges and universities, two-year colleges, vocational or technical schools, or certificate programs. With this expanded definition, every student should seriously consider the path that is best for his or her future career goals.
Four-Year College or University
The traditional definition when the word college is brought up, four-year schools offer students the opportunity to earn a bachelor's degree. Students will take general education courses (English, math, science, etc.) in addition to their major classes that focus in a particular subject. There are both public and private institutions.
Examples: University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, Harvard University, University of San Diego, etc.Two-Year College
Two-year schools may also be called community or junior colleges. They offer students the opportunity to earn an associate's degree and some schools may offer one-year certificate programs. Students will take general education courses (English, math, science, etc.) in addition to their major classes that focus in a particular subject. These schools may be public or private institutions.
Examples: Community College of Rhode Island, Pensacola State College, Bristol Community College, Bay State College, etc.Vocational or Technical School
These schools have programs that may range in duration from 18 months to three of four years. Typically coursework focuses on gaining skills for a particular job without having to take general education courses. The majority of these institutions are private.
Examples: New England Technical Institute, Universal Technical Institute, Euphoria, Rob Roy AcademyCertificate Programs
Typically these programs are offered within one of the institutions listed above. They are a short duration and allow a student to earn a certificate indicating mastery in a particular skill.
Points to Consider
TYPE
Two/four year school
Coed or single sex (all female)
College, university, technical school, business school, etc.
Private, state controlled, religious affiliation
ACADEMIC STANDARDS
Admission requirements, selectivity
Records of graduates - how many go on for professional or graduate degrees?
Faculty and administration’s background and reputation
Accreditation by educational agencies and other professional organizations
CAMPUS ACTIVITIES
Availability of intramural and inter-collegiate sports
Variety of campus activities and organizations
Recreation and campus sponsored activities
GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION
Consider where the college is located (city, suburbs, small town)
How far from a major city or town; from an airport or train station? Is the campus
readily accessible from public transportation?
Consider the region of the country and the climate
COSTS
Maximum costs for room, board, tuition
Additional costs, such as books, fees, supplies, transportation
Percentage of undergraduates receiving financial aid?
Financial Aid - Does the college fund full documented need? Do they gap? How
well endowed is the institution? If your financial situation remains somewhat the
same during the four years you attend this college; will the financial aid package
remain relatively the same each year?
What about scholarship and grant opportunities?
What about work-study program?
How does the college work tuition payments? And loans?
Where does the Financial Aid Office subtract outside scholarship money from?
From your grant (scholarship) money? Or from your loans?
ENROLLMENT
Size of student body
Ratio of men to women
Number of freshmen
Class size
Retention rate of freshmen class
Graduation rate
SOCIAL STANDARDS
Emphasis on fraternities and sororities
Occasions for social and cultural development
What do students do for fun?
Campus Safety
PERSONAL SERVICES
Counseling services
Advisory system
Services for students with physical or learning disabilities
Medical facilities (twenty-four hour services? Where?)
Placement and career services
PHYSICAL FEATURES
Location, location, location…
Dorm space…laundry facilities…bathrooms
Dining services…where are the cafeterias located? How many on campus?
Classroom, library and laboratory facilities
Student parking area
VOCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Major programs and courses of study offered
Opportunities for specialized training
ROTC programs available
Graduate placement rates
Where will YOU be happy…
Considering all these factors most students choose between 4-8 schools to which they apply. Depending on the type of school, major, location restrictions you may have more or less than this. Your counselor can help you determine approximately how many schools to which you will need to apply. For most four- and two-year schools you should consider the following.
“The long shot”
The college actually admits very few students with credentials identical to those of the applicant. This is also called the reach school. Only one or two of your selections should be in this category.
“The realistic school”
The college admits around fifty percent of students with credentials identical to those of the applicant. This is also called a good fit school. You have a fairly good chance of being admitted, but it is not a sure thing. The majority of your selections (two to five) should be in this category.
“The safety”
The college admits nearly all students with credentials identical to those of the applicant. Chances for admission seem nearly certain, but there is always a small chance you may not be admitted. Make sure this school is one you would be excited to attend, there is no point in applying to a school that you do not want to attend. One or two of your selections should fall into this category.