College Planning: How to Begin Selecting A College

The “fit” between a student and a university is based upon three pillars:

1)      Academics: The university you attend should provide an outstanding academic experience in your intended major/minor fields of study, along with appropriate internship and career placement opportunities. This is paramount to selecting where to attend. Much of this information is gathered on the college’s website.

This newsletter discusses how to evaluate academics outside of lists of college rankings. The most important steps include learning how to navigate through the “Academics” and the “Research” tabs to fully explore the curriculum maps, degree requirements and the research projects faculty are conducting.   As a former university professor with 30+ years of experience on curriculum planning committees, I’m able to help your family assess “academic fit” and effectively explore your academic options to balance each student’s current and emerging interests and strengths.

2)      Social: The social fit is important as each student is looking to find a “home-away-from-home” for four years. Is the campus inviting, inclusive and are there opportunities for ongoing social and emotional growth as you emerge from young adult to independent and launched adult?! This is exactly why students visit university campuses. Details follow below….

3)      Financial affordability: Every family faces unique financial circumstances and we factor those into the choices on where to apply and attend. Please re-read my earlier blog on financial aid and scholarships: FINANCIAL AID and SCHOLARSHIPS.   If you’re likely ineligible for financial aid, we can carefully explore colleges that would more likely provide merit-based aid.

THERE ARE MANY CAMPUSES PROVIDING an EXCELLENT EDUCATION offering deep discounts on tuition given your “profile”.