ACADEMICS
Arguably the number one reason for attending college, you want to be sure the college you choose offers the area(s) of study you are interested in! Be sure to see what classes are offered (and even who teaches them). One great way to learn more is to attend a class when you take a college tour.
AMENITIES & SERVICES
Students have access to many college amenities like: gym, library, tutoring, workshops, museums, student government, and a variety of student discounts. When planning your college visit, check out what special activities or amenities they may offer.
SIZE & STATISTICS
What is the right size for you? Some colleges are small geographically and for the number of enrolled students while others are quite large. Whether small, large, or somewhere in the middle, you’ll want to choose a school that’s the right fit for you.
ACADEMIC INTERESTS
Hopefully you have given some thought about your area of study. Look for the colleges that specialize the programs you are looking to get a degree in.
TYPES OF COLLEGES
Before you can pick a specific school, you need to decide how it will meet your needs and lifestyle.
CAREER PLANNING
How will the college you chose prepare you for your future career? Consider colleges that focus on career paths and offer resources like alumni networking and internships to get you started on your first job.
COST & FINANCIAL AID
Sometimes cost and financial aid is the deciding factor of where you will attend college. It is important to review award letters and expenses to keep tuition costs low.
LOCATION
Where would you like to live? Some students like to live close to home to save on tuition and others like big changes and attend colleges in the city or east/west coast.
CAMPUS LIFE & CULTURE
Would you like to live on campus or off? These are important factors when looking at colleges. Be sure to check out the college campus and talk to students to get a better idea of what campus life and culture offer for the schools you will be applying to.
HOUSING & DINING
Room and board is essential for college. FInd out what will work best for you. Some students prefer campus life in a dorm with roommates and dining hall and other prefer more indepence of an apartment, commuting to campus.
STUDY ABROAD OPPORTUNITIES
Are you looking to travel or attend a semester globally? If this is an interest to you be sure to see which colleges offer studying abroad and requirements the program may have.
GRADUATION & RETENTION RATES
How does the college of your choice measure up? What are the numbers of students graduating and coming back year after year? These numbers are important when making your final decision.
ACCEPTANCE RATE
Some colleges are extremely selective with admissions. Give yourself a few options on your college list that may be easier to get into.
STANDARDIZED TESTING
Make sure you find out what the standardized testing requirements are. This is important to find out early so you can have completed the testing prior to submitting your application.
ATHLETICS
If you are serious about athletics, reach out to the Athletics Department and provide them with an athletic resume. Check with the college admission or athletic office to get an idea of what is offered.
ACTIVITIES & ORGANIZATIONS
Colleges offer clubs, organizations, fraternities/sororities, or intramural athletics programs. If it’s important to you for your school to have a theater program, orchestra, art club, mock trial program, or some other extracurricular activity, then research schools that offer these activities.
