Ten-easy-rules-to-find-the-right-college
By Daniel Kane
Choosing a college is far less difficult than most people think. There are just ten rules to remember.
1. Never make a final college choice without visiting at least the three or four colleges you like best. Regardless of how well you've investigated the colleges to which you applied, there is no substitute for a visit. Very often, students pick up critical information...sometimes good, sometimes bad...on a visit. And, bring your family with you if possible...nobody knows you better, so their observations and thoughts might be very helpful to you.
2. If you follow only one of the ten rules, make it rule #1.
3. A college is not necessarily right for you because its name is familiar. That seems pretty obvious, but you wouldn't believe how many students equate educational quality with name recognition.
4. Investigate at least three or four colleges you know little or nothing about but offer the field(s) of study of interest to you, are appropriately selective for a students with your grades and SAT or ACT scores, and are located in geographic areas attractive to you. You have nothing to lose and you might make a great discovery.
5. There are very few worse reasons to select a college than because your friends are going there. Choosing a college because your girlfriend or boyfriend is headed there is one them. In fact, if there is a worse reason to choose a college, it escapes me.
6. Do your research and be sure to separate reality from (often baseless) opinions. Lots of folks will refer to a college as "good", "hard to get into", "a party school", "too expensive", etc. without knowing the facts. Don't accept these kinds of generalizations without evidence.
7. Do not rule out colleges early because of cost. Many colleges offer scholarships, financial aid, and tuition installment plans that make them far more affordable than they may first appear. You can't/won't know how much it will cost to attend a college until the very end of the process.
8. You may have to contend with ACT deadlines, SAT deadlines, scholarship deadlines, financial aid deadlines, and college application deadlines. Close your eyes for thirty seconds and imagine how stupid you will feel if you fail to get into a college or get money for which you qualify because you miss a deadline. Then, to avoid feeling stupid, write down all operative deadlines and check them often.
9. Don't be afraid to apply to a few "reach schools"you might be pleasantly surprised by the results if you are not entirely unrealistic. Apply to at least three colleges you like which are likely to admit you. Remember, choose these three colleges very carefully as they are the places you are mostly likely to wind up at. And, choose at least two "safety" collegescolleges to which you are virtually certain you will be admitted. Choosing "safety" schools they don't really like is a mistake many students maketake the time to choose safety schools you would be happy to attend.
10. When it is time to make your final choice, discuss your options with your family, your counselor (if you have one), and others who know you well and whose judgement you value. If you have a tough time choosing among two or more colleges or universities it is probably because you have done a good job putting together your list and you will be happy at whichever institution you choose. Just make your choice and don't agonize over itsome of the best years of your life are ready to begin.
Article Source: http://www.upublish.info
About the Author:
Daniel Kane
Daniel Kane has worked in high schools, colleges, and universities for more than thirty years. He has websites on subjects including online education and online degrees and scholarships .
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