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How to start your college search and find the best fit school for you!Click here to view a FREE online seminar - Finding the Correct College for You!
Begin by making a list of what you really want.Start by asking yourself lots of questions about what you want out of your college experience. Are you hoping to get a great job right after commencement and start your career? Maybe you already know that you want to go to graduate school after your first four years. Or, maybe you just aren't sure at all. Wherever you fall on the spectrum of knowing what you want is ok. For now, you should at least be thinking about what you hope to gain from earning your degree.Then move on to specific features you'd like to have in your ultimate final choice.
Location.Where do you think you want to go to school? How far away from home are you willing to travel? Try to be as honest about this as you can. The more options you can give yourself the better. However, if you need the support that home offers you, make sure you set a reasonable limit here. Size.How big of an institution do you think you want to attend? A small one where you'll get lots of personal attention or a large university where you'll have all sorts of resources to supplement your learning?Surrounding environment and campus life.What type of setting would you prefer? A big city where there is lots of excitement and the action is fast paced? Or, maybe you'd rather really be able to focus on your studies and would prefer a campus in a rural location.You also need to consider how you want to spend your non-study time at college. What do you do in your free time now? Which of those things do want to be able to continue to do in the future? If it's important to you now, it will most likely be important for you to make sure it's part of your postsecondary experience, too!
Area of study.Next, try to narrow down what you think you'd like to study. Maybe you already know exactly what you want to major in. If you don't, that's fine. At the start of most academic programs there are many common courses that apply to a lot of different majors. However, the sooner you can decide on the right program for you, the better you can plan your future course schedules in order to graduate on time.Click here to learn more about how to choose a major. Academic challenge.Another area to ask yourself about is how much of an academic challenge are you looking for? You also have to weigh your preference here against your academic record at this point in your life. The stronger your record, the more opportunities you'll have to be accepted at the most challenging schools. Even if your academics aren't that strong right now, there is an institution for you. Sure, the reputation of the university you go to does matter in opening doors for you right away, but ultimately, it's what you do with your opportunities that matters most. No one is going to do the work for you or guarantee your success. That is up to you.
Cost.Cost is another factor to think about as you begin considering all your options. But, don't focus too much on this right now. Every institution has a "sticker price" just like buying a car. However, there are lots of financial aid options available to help you afford that "sticker price."Lots of schools give away all kinds of scholarship dollars for all kinds of reasons. What matters most is the actual amount you will have to pay out of your pocket to attend. And, you can't know that until you've been accepted and receive a financial aid award. So, I wouldn't rule out any option just on the basis of their "sticker price" at this point. Begin building your initial consideration list using a good search engine.Now that you have an idea of the features you are looking for in a school, it's time to begin the fun part of your college search start by building your initial college consideration list. You can use one of the many search engines online that can quickly identify schools that match your preferences.Click here to jump to college search engines we recommend. Got a question? I can help!Don't see the information you are looking for? Need more specific help with your situation? I can help. Just send me your question using the form below.
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