Douglas Olsen
Choosing a college is a daunting task for many students, and there are many factors to consider. While there may be no such thing as a perfect college, there are certainly colleges where students can be happy and get an excellent education. The process involves self-reflection, thinking about what students want to achieve in their time at college, and what kind of environment will help them succeed. Students should also consider the curriculum, the campus, and the support available, as well as practical considerations such as location, cost, and safety.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Academic support | Free tutoring groups, writing assistance, student money management centres, writing centres, online subscriptions |
| Curriculum design | Diverse experiences, specific discipline, majors, minors, concentrations |
| Student life | Residence Life programs, student involvement, school spirit, general atmosphere, extracurricular activities |
| Cost | Financial aid, scholarships, net price calculator |
| Location | Small town, large city, distance from home, transportation, accessibility, safety, neighbourhood |
| Reputation | Placement rates for jobs and postgraduate schools |
| Campus | Size, virtual tours, local area, professors, current students |
| Admissions | GPA, test scores, SAT, ACT, essays, letters of recommendation, interviews, application |
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What You'll Learn
Academic support and independence
Academic support is an important aspect of the college experience, and it can take many forms. Firstly, academic advising is crucial for students to receive big-picture support and direction, as well as planning for on-time graduation and career goals. Academic advising can also help students secure internships and community-based learning experiences. A lower student-to-faculty ratio enables professors to provide more individualized and engaging support to their students, allowing them to get to know them by name and offer personalized guidance inside and outside the classroom.
Academic coaching is another form of support, where experts can tailor their assistance based on course demands and student needs. This can include high-dosage tutoring, which involves one-on-one or small group tutoring sessions at least three times a week, providing personalized support in specific subjects. Academic support can also be informal, taking place in the classroom or at home, or through curated programs. Additionally, peer tutoring and teaching assistants are common in universities, allowing students to seek academic support from their peers.
For students who may not pursue traditional higher education, academic support can be provided through career and technical education programs and academic advising to help them find their path after graduation. Support programs can also help students develop essential executive function skills and study skills that will benefit them in high school and beyond.
In terms of academic independence, college is often a student's first step towards adulthood, and they are expected to function more independently, including monitoring their academic well-being. This can be a challenging transition, especially for those who come from less rigorous academic backgrounds. Students need to develop coping mechanisms, manage perfectionism, and learn to deal with failure and mistakes. Soft skills, such as time management, cultural awareness, and interpersonal skills, become crucial for success in a college environment.
Additionally, many independent status students are older than 24 or are unable to depend on their families for various reasons. Colleges can support these students by offering financial needs assessments that consider expenses like childcare and transportation. Asynchronous online learning and Hyflex courses can also benefit independent students by allowing them to pursue their studies on their own schedule and in their preferred location.
Overall, while academic support is essential, colleges should also empower students to develop their independence and build their confidence. This can be achieved by creating a cultural match between students' values and the academic environment, fostering a sense of belonging, and providing resources that meet the diverse needs of their student body.
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Extracurricular activities
When choosing extracurriculars, it is essential to consider one's interests, goals, and intended career path. Colleges prefer to see sustained commitment to a few activities that align with an applicant's passions rather than a long list of disparate pursuits. Students should aim for depth and longevity in their extracurriculars, demonstrating dedication, personal growth, and leadership qualities. Starting as early as possible in high school allows for longer-term involvement and the potential to earn leadership roles, which are highly valued by colleges.
A variety of extracurricular activities are available, ranging from sports, clubs, and volunteer work to internships, part-time jobs, and entrepreneurial projects. Sports are not just about physical fitness but also developing leadership, time management, and teamwork skills. Clubs and organizations offer opportunities for leadership positions and mentorship, while part-time jobs provide real-world skills and networking chances. Internships, especially with nonprofits or local businesses, showcase proactivity and dedication to one's field of study. Entrepreneurial endeavours, such as starting a club or organizing an event, highlight innovation and the ability to take initiative.
When listing extracurriculars on applications, it is advisable to focus on those with the longest duration and greatest impact. Short-lived activities may be omitted to avoid taking up valuable space. Sustained involvement in a few meaningful extracurriculars demonstrates a student's seriousness about their pursuits and their ability to manage multiple commitments. Colleges want to see applicants who are passionate, committed, and engaged, using extracurriculars as a way to learn about the unique skills and perspectives students can bring to their campus community.
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Location and accessibility
When it comes to choosing a college, location and accessibility are key considerations. The right college for you will depend on your needs and preferences, and it is important to reflect on what is important to you and where you want to be.
Firstly, consider the distance from your hometown. While it can be exciting to move away from home, it is also perfectly fine to stay closer to home. Think about transportation and accessibility, especially for occasions when you may want to visit family, such as during holidays.
Next, consider the type of campus and community you would like to be a part of. Campuses vary in size and location, from small schools in large cities to universities that make up most of a small town. Each has its benefits, so it is worth researching what it is like to live in these different settings. For example, a small school in a big city may offer the advantage of a close-knit community, while also providing access to the amenities and opportunities of city life. On the other hand, a college town may offer a more intimate and academically focused environment.
It is also important to think about the surrounding area. Consider the safety of the neighbourhood and the safety measures and policies the college has in place. Additionally, think about what there is to do outside of the campus. For example, what are the weekend activities like? Are there opportunities for part-time jobs?
Accessibility also relates to the cost of attending a college. Each college will have different housing policies, with some requiring students to live in dorms and purchase meal plans, while others allow students to live off campus. It is important to understand the costs associated with each option and to ask about financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Every college that offers federal student aid is required to have a net price calculator on their website, which can help you estimate the cost of attendance.
Finally, remember that there is no such thing as a perfect college, but there are many colleges where you can be happy and get an excellent education. It is about finding the right college for you, where you can meet your goals and feel comfortable.
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Cost and financial aid
The cost of college can be a daunting prospect for students and their families, and financial aid is often essential to making higher education accessible. However, the process of securing financial aid can be confusing, and colleges often fail to provide clear and accurate information about costs and aid packages.
College Costs
The total cost of attendance includes both direct and indirect costs. Direct costs are billed by the college and typically include tuition, fees, and on-campus housing and meals. Indirect costs are paid to other parties and may cover books, academic supplies, off-campus housing and meals, and transportation.
Financial Aid Packages
Financial aid is any form of funding that helps students pay for college, including grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs. Grants and scholarships are forms of gift aid that do not need to be repaid, while loans must be repaid with interest. Work-study programs provide students with on-campus jobs to help cover college bills.
Types of Financial Aid
Financial aid can be need-based or merit-based. Need-based aid is awarded to students whose families cannot afford the full cost of college and may come in the form of grants, scholarships, or loans with lower interest rates. Merit-based aid, on the other hand, is awarded without regard to financial need and may be based on academic achievement, artistic abilities, or other characteristics.
Applying for Financial Aid
Students seeking financial aid should be aware of the various deadlines for institutional, state, and federal aid applications. They should also be cautious about paying for scholarship searches or application assistance, as free resources are usually available. To assess college affordability, students may need to calculate costs and compare them to financial aid packages, taking into account any gift aid and loans.
Alternative Options
In addition to financial aid, there are other ways to help cover college costs. Tuition installment plans allow students to split the college bill into monthly installments, avoiding long-term debt. Students can also work part-time during the academic year and summer break to earn money, up to a certain amount that won't affect their financial aid status. Additionally, education tax benefits, such as tax credits and deductions, can provide significant savings on federal income tax returns.
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Housing and accommodation
Living on campus offers benefits such as student activities, making friends, and a smooth transition to college life. It can also be advantageous for students who want to focus on their studies without worrying about transportation. However, on-campus housing may pose challenges in terms of privacy and distractions. Additionally, students might have to deal with the hassle of roommates and shared facilities.
Off-campus housing is usually sought by juniors and seniors who desire more independence and privacy. It allows students to create their own space, choose roommates, and experience life away from the campus environment. However, off-campus living comes with additional responsibilities, such as managing leases, bills, and relationships with landlords and neighbours. It can also be more expensive, depending on the location and amenities.
Students opting for off-campus housing should consider factors like proximity to campus, neighbourhood safety, budget, and the number of roommates. They should also be prepared for the challenges of sharing responsibilities and expenses with roommates.
Some colleges offer themed residential communities where students with similar interests or identities can live together. These communities have been shown to encourage academic engagement and provide a sense of belonging.
Ultimately, the choice between on-campus and off-campus housing depends on the individual needs and preferences of the student. Both options offer unique advantages and considerations, and students should carefully evaluate their priorities before making a decision.
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Frequently asked questions
Students want to be prepared for their future careers and to earn an income after graduating. They also want to gain experience with the latest technology.
Students need learning experiences, guidance, and support to succeed in college and in life. They also need help with planning their time, including balancing rest with assignments.
Colleges need to adapt their offerings to suit the diverse needs and expectations of their students. This includes promoting students' physical, social, emotional, personal, and ethical growth, as well as providing a sense of belonging and connection.
