What To Look For In A College
As with most important decisions, a clear and well thought out approach to the college decision making process is essential. Here are some suggested tips for making the process a little more systematic. Also included is a list of some of the key considerations to weigh in making your ultimate decision.
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Think about your priorities when selecting a college. (See the list below for considerations that may be important to you.) |
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Talk to your counselor, teachers, parents, friends and alumni of various colleges to begin gathering information about the schools that interest you. (Be careful to form your own opinion about each college.) |
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Gather and read as much information as you can. You can start with general college guides, websites and CD's. Contact the colleges for information on your specific interests and/or any special programs they may offer to which you may be well suited. |
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Based on your research, make a list of the colleges that most interest you. The schools on your list should vary in terms of selectivity; your list should include at least one school where you know you will be accepted. To find out about your chances for admission, get an unofficial copy of your transcript and share it with a college's admission personnel. They should be able to give you a sense of your likelihood for admission at their institution. |
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Visit the colleges you have listed and spend as much time as you can on campus. Be sure to talk to students, faculty, admission officers and financial aid staff. If at all possible, stay overnight on campus if it is a residential college. |
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Get a feel for the financial aid options available at the colleges you are considering. See the Key Tip on the Three Key Questions to Ask Colleges for suggestions. |
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Apply to several colleges in the fall of your senior year, making sure you meet the admission and financial aid application deadlines listed. Some colleges have an Early Decision, Early Action or Early Notification option. Talk with your guidance counselor about these early options. |
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Reevaluate the college selection criteria most important to you. |
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Make your decision about which college you will attend, and remember, it's YOUR decision. |
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Common College Selection Criteria
- Academic program / career goals
- Location - distance from home; urban vs. rural; climate
- Size / enrollment
- Facilities
- Reputation
- Career planning & placement - internships, post-graduate placement
- Extracurricular activities
- Transportation costs / ease of access
- Technology on campus
- Social life
- Coed vs. single gender colleges
- Retention rate
- Religious affiliation
- Cost / net cost
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| Click here to search for Indiana colleges that meet your criteria. |
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Academic Reminders:
- Take honors and AP classes when available and appropriate
- Aim for the most rigorous high school diploma option given the student's abilities and interests
- Keep in mind that courses and grades are the most important factors considered by colleges during the admission process
- Know that the State of Indiana ties the level of assistance under the State grant aid program to the type of diploma received by the student – in other words, students receiving more rigorous diplomas receive a higher percentage of their eligible state grant awards
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