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YOUR MONEY YOUR FUTURE
How To Pick The Right College
With more than 3,000 colleges in the
United States to choose from, you’re sure to
find the one that’s right for you if you take the
right steps.
Know Yourself
How do you get started in your college
planning and research? Begin by looking at
yourself - your abilities, interests, attitudes,
and personality. Ask yourself these questions:
• Am 1 a good student? average? below
average?
• Does my school record reflect my
abilities?
• Am 1 very good or weak in any academic
area?
• What clubs, sports, and cultural activities
do I like best?
• Should I go away to college or stay near
my family and friends?
Explore your reasons for going to college
and what you want to get out of going. Also,
consider your interests and your abilities.
Then, think about where to apply.
Make a Worksheet
Write down some characteristics of a
college that would suit your needs and desires.
Consider:
• Location (city, rural, suburban)
• Geographic area (city, region, in state/out of
state)
• Type of college (two-year, four-year, public,
private)
• Size
• Campus setting
• Majors and course offerings
• On-campus housing
• Special academic programs
• Cost
• Financial aid
• Student activities
• Athletics
• Type of student body
• Social life
• Religious affiliation
• Co-ed status
Prioritize
Decide which factors are most important.
For example: Do you want to go to college
near home? Are you interested in a specialized
course of study offered at only a few colleges?
Next, ask your guidance counselor or a
librarian for a college handbook with
descriptions of each institution. Narrow the
field and write to each admission office for
more information and an application.
Look Beyond Cost
Yes, college costs are important. But try
not to rule out a college of interest solely
becausfc of cost. Wait to see if you will need
financial aid to help pay your tuition, housing,
and other expenses. Get as much information
as possible on the kinds of financial aid
available and how to apply. Ask your
guidance counselor, or go to the library for
books and other information about college
costs.
Get Organized
Start a file folder for each college of
interest and gather as much information as you
can. The colleges will send you their catalogs
and viewbooks with details on admission,
student life, academics, costs, and financial
aid.
Find out if any representatives or alumni
from the college are coming to your area, and
meet with them if you can.
It’s also useful to make a calendar showing
all important dates, including application and
financial aid deadlines.
Visit the Colleges
If at all possible, visit the colleges of
greatest interest when classes are in session,
and do this before you apply. If the college
For You
recommends you go on an interview, schedule
that to coincide with your visit.
While on campus, have a look at the
student center, cafeteria, library, athletic
facilities, and other places of interest. Talk to
students and sit in on lectures or classes if you
can. Evaluate the campus and its surroundings
to see if you can picture yourself there.
Apply!
Most colleges require the following:
• Application form, providing information
about your background, education, and
college plans.
• High school (or college transfer) record,
listing your courses, grades, and test scores.
• Admission test scores, such as the SAT or
ACT.
• Letters of recommendation from teachers,
counselors, or other adults.
• Essay, such as a personal or auto
biographical statement.
• Application fee, which is usually not
refundable. Ask your counselor about getting
an application fee waiver if you can’t afford to
pay it.
Stay Calm
Waiting to hear from colleges is probably
the toughest phase in the process. That’s why
many students apply to a "wish" list of
colleges they would like to attend but aren’t
sure they will be admitted to, a “backup" list
of colleges they're quite sure they’ll get in to,
and a “sure-thing” list of colleges that they're
positive they’ll be accepted at.
It’s a sensible approach to relieving some
of the stress. But, don't focus on which
colleges will choose you. Think about which
colleges you will choose in your planning and
application process. Remember that the
number of colleges is so great, you're sure to
find one that’s right for you - if you just make
the effort. You know it will be well worth it.
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VOLUME 5 ISSUE 24