It really isn't hard to choose the right college. Just follow these ten rules.
1. Don't even think about making a final college choice without visiting at least your top two choices...more if possible. Visits are the only reliable way to learn about the campus environments of the colleges you are considering and how good a "fit" you might be. And bring your parents along if you can...you might find their impressions helpful.
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. Take the time to identify and check out three or more colleges unfamiliar to you which would seem likely to admit you, offer the major(s) in which you are interested, and are located in areas in which you would like to spend four years. With any luck, you'll discover some great new options.
5. Choosing a college because your friends are or will be attending is just plain stupid. Choosing a college because your boyfriend/girlfriend is or will be attending is even dumber.
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. In the beginning of your search, do not worry about cost. The fact is, you won't know what a college might cost you until you find out what kinds of financial aid, if any, you might be offered. So, whatever you do, do not rule out colleges because of their cost in the initial stages of your search. And, be aware that some colleges pledge to meet the full financial need of all of their students.
8. Deadlines, whether for college applications, SAT or ACT registration, financial aid, scholarships, campus housing, etc. are not suggestions. Miss a deadline and you may find yourself in deep water. Write down and adhere to all deadlines.
9. Apply to three categories of colleges; "reach" colleges, "probable" colleges, and "safe" colleges. Reach or "stretch" colleges are colleges you like but may well be denied admission to. You might just be pleasantly surprised is you take a chance on a few reach schools. Probables are colleges which admit most students with your profile. My recommendation is that you apply to at least three probables to ensure yourself good options when it's time to make your final decision. Lastly, find and apply to two safe colleges where your chances of admission are close to 100% and where you believe you would be happy. Remember, if you do a good job picking safe schools you'll be immune to disappointment, so take time to do a good job.
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.
