Good College Advice Before You Begin Your College Search

By Susie Watts

Going to college is one of the biggest investments a family will make. Yet, too often not enough time or research goes into the college search. Students should use the college search experience as an opportunity to get to know themselves better and discover what is important to them and where they would like to spend four important years of their lives.

Too often, well intentioned adults ask a junior or senior in high school,’ Where are you going to college?’ Rarely, does anyone ask, ‘Why are you going to college?’ Perhaps, if students asked this question more often of themselves, they would have more focus as they begin their college search.

Here are some things to consider before beginning a successful college search:

1. First, decide whether you would like to go to college in-state or out-of-state,closer to home or are you ready to experience something new? Don’t limit your college choices when you first begin. You can always narrow your schools down later in the process after you have had plenty of time to research all of them.

2. Next, decide whether a small or larger school is better for your learning style. Are small classes where discussion is involved appealing to you or would a professor lecturing a group of 350 students suit you better? Do you like knowing your teachers personally or do you prefer being anonymous?

3. Do you like the outdoors and enjoy a more rural setting or would you enjoy being in a city and taking advantage of its many attractions? Is the weather a factor and do you need a change of seasons to be content?

4. Do you have learning disabilities and need to make sure that colleges are able to offer the support services that will help you be successful? Or perhaps you are looking for a good honors program. These are things that require time and research to get the right answers and make sure the program is a good fit for you.

5. What kinds of activities have you participated in at your high school or in your community and are these things you wish to pursue in college? Do you want to be a student athlete or would you just as soon participate in intramural sports? What kind of school would give you a chance to gain leadership skills which can be invaluable to your future?

6. Is there any particular course of study that interests you or are you undecided as to what you would like to do? Most students have no idea what they want to pursue and many change their minds after they start college. Do you feel the liberal arts would provide a good educational background or are you thinking more of a pre-professional course of study?

7. Will you need financial aid and scholarships? Even if you do, do not rule out more expensive private schools in your college search because sometimes they actually cost less than public schools. Again, don’t limit your college search until you have the answers and the reasons to decide that a particular school may not be right for you.

Utilize all of the resources available to you in your college search. This should include your parents, teachers, high school counselor, the internet, and books that objectively describe many colleges. College websites can also be helpful. No one resource has all the answers.

Many families are turning to an educational consultant who has the expertise and time to provide individual attention and assist you in your college search. They have visited many colleges and universities and know what makes each one unique. They also understand the college admission process and why it is so important to help you find schools that are the right fit. To find qualified educational consultants in your state, go to www.hecaonline.org.

College searches on the internet can only provide limited information. You need to take the time and do the research to find schools that that are the right match for you.

About the Author: Susie Watts is a college consultant and the founder of College Direction. She assists students with their college search, applications and essays, financial aid and scholarships, and college counseling. To find out what College Direction can do for your student, go to collegedirection.org

Source: isnare.com

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