Roadmap for the Future: College Selection 101
The month of April is an important one for our college-bound high school Seniors. With National College Decision Day (May 1st) quickly approaching, it’s time for them to decide which school they plan to attend in the Fall and formally accept that school’s offer of admittance.
For many students, this is a really difficult decision. Whether it be they were denied acceptance to their dream school, waitlisted and don’t want to put their dreams on hold, or just haven’t taken the time to narrow down their list—this is the time to focus on the path they want to take next year.
So, what are the best strategies to help students select the right college? Evaluate every school. Even if they already have a frontrunner in mind, students need to take the time to assess every school that has accepted them in order to make the best, most informed decision.
We’ve provided 4 of the best strategies for college-bound students to reflect on when deciding which college to accept.
1. Consider Personal Priorities: Must-Haves and Deal Breakers
First and foremost, a pros and cons list is a must. Students should evaluate colleges based on their list of must-haves and deal breakers. These are issues that are important to them on a personal level—factors like environment, extracurriculars, diversity, or distance from home. The right school will check off those major must-have boxes.
Examples of Must-Haves:
Safe environment
Accessibility to explorable locations outside of the college campus
Affordable tuition and board
Best programs for educational goals
Offers opportunities to study abroad
Examples of Deal-Breakers:
More than two students in every dorm room
Limited on-campus housing
Has very few extracurricular activities or clubs
Staff to student ratio is too high
Too far from home
No student parking for freshmen
The best way to evaluate a school and see if it meets the student’s criteria is to visit the campus. Taking a college tour is the best way to explore everything a school offers and see if the overall environment is a good match.
Geography matters. Students must consider the differences between attending a large university versus a smaller college, or a school in an urban area versus one in a more rural setting. For some students, a school closer to home may be ideal, while others may want an experience farther away.
Environment plays a huge role in comfort. Students should experience a prospective school’s environment, climate, and vibe firsthand (rather than through pictures and videos on the school’s website). It really is the best way to gauge if a college aligns with their lifestyle preferences.
Students need to remember that this isn’t a weekend trip or Summer camp; the college they choose will be their home and school and they need to feel at home there. They shouldn’t settle for a school that doesn’t check the right boxes.
2. Assess Affordability: Choose the School that Fits Your Budget
Affordability is one of the most common priorities among college-bound students, and it’s among one of the most important factors. Students must consider the short-term and long-term investment of college—in-state versus out-of-state tuition, fees, room and board, and other necessary expenses (books, resources, food, etc.) that accumulate and compound over time.
They need to understand the financial investment they will make based on the college they select. The cost of higher education can put many dream schools out of reach for students who just can’t afford to attend.
But, more often than not there are financial supports that students can take advantage of that may make a massive difference in affordability, putting those dream schools more in reach.
Advise your students to research financial aid options, work-study opportunities, scholarships, grants, and fellowships. If they still need to get enough information on the cost of each school and the financial support they can receive, now is the time to reach out to the Business Office of each school and request that information. They may just be pleasantly surprised by what they learn!
For more advice on financial support for college, check out these posts:
3. Evaluate Academic Opportunities
Arguably, the most important factor for students to seriously consider when weighing their options is whether or not the college offers the academic opportunities they are looking for.
For instance, maybe they were accepted to their reach school, but their state college has a stronger program for their chosen field. The smart choice is to choose the school with the better program.
Each college excels in certain fields; the goal of evaluating a school’s academic opportunities is to find the right fit.
Does the school offer the right degree programs and interests?
Encourage your students to reflect on their interests and potential majors. What subjects excite them? Do they have a specific career path in mind? Knowing their academic passions will help narrow down college choices.
Whether the student knows exactly what degree they’re pursuing or not, the school they select should offer programs and majors that they are interested in. For instance, if they are interested in pursuing a degree in education, then a school that caters to engineering or medical science probably isn’t the best choice.
They may even want to explore a few different academic passions during their college tenure, but to avoid having to transfer to a different college, they should select a school that checks all of their academic boxes.
What are the school’s academic reputation and strengths?
Encourage your students to look beyond overall college rankings and prestige, and learn the strengths of the departments they’re interested in.
For example, if they’re considering architecture, they need to find out if the prospective school has a solid Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies program, and possibly even a track to a Master of Architecture degree accredited by the National Architecture Accrediting Board.
Does the college offer research opportunities and faculty accessibility?
Every college student starts as a novice. Programs that offer students research experiences and faculty mentorship make a huge difference in training college students to become experts in their careers. These factors will undoubtedly enhance the student’s overall college experience
Also, students interested in potentially studying abroad should make sure that those opportunities are offered. Remember that example of the student studying architecture? Imagine the value of spending a semester abroad studying the world-famous architecture of Rome, Italy.
4. Career Outcomes and Alumni Networks
Advise your students to research the college’s career services and outcomes in addition to its alumni networks.
Does the college offer career support services? Do graduates receive help with career opportunities and job placement? Students should look into post-graduation outcomes for specific majors. How successful are graduates in their chosen fields?
Likewise, does the college have a strong alumni network? Are former graduates interested in investing their time advising and shepherding new graduates? Solid connections can lead to internships, job placements, and mentorship.
With National College Decision Day just weeks away, review these college selection strategies and encourage your students to make thoughtful decisions aligned with their academic goals and personal values.
Choosing the right college is a significant decision, and each student’s needs and aspirations are unique. By sharing these strategies with your college-bound Seniors, you can empower students to make the best, most informed choices that will shape their future.
Key Takeaways
Appraise Every School: Even if students have a top choice, it's crucial to assess all accepted schools to make an informed decision. Consider personal priorities such as environment, extracurriculars, diversity, and distance from home.
Assess Affordability: Consider short-term and long-term costs, including tuition, fees, and other expenses. Research financial aid options, scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities to make dream schools more affordable.
Evaluate Academic Opportunities: Look for schools that offer programs aligned with academic interests and career goals. Consider academic reputation, research opportunities, faculty accessibility, and potential for studying abroad.
Consider Career Outcomes and Alumni Networks: Research career services, job placement, and post-graduation outcomes. Consider the strength of the alumni network for potential internships, job placements, and mentorship opportunities.
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