College Decisions

College Decision Making Tips

Consider these things:

• How big is it?
  
  • How many students attend the school?
  • What is the average class size?
  • How far would I have to walk between classes or to get to my dorm?
• Where is it located?
  
  • Is it too far away from home or not far enough?
  • What is the surrounding community like and would I be comfortable living there?
• Does the college offer the things that you are interested in? 
  
  • Does it have the major you are considering? 
  • What kinds of clubs/organizations or sports does it have?
• What are the facilities like?
  
  • Will I need to buy a computer or are their several computer labs?
  • How about internet access?
  • Does it have a fitness center, theater, radio station etc.?
• Could I live comfortably?
  
  • How are the food services? 
  • How big are the dorm rooms and what do they look like?

Talk to people you know:

• Talk to your school counselor
• Ask your parents, teachers, coaches, etc.  Find out what their college experiences were like and why they chose the college they attended

Carefully review your Financial Aid Awards:

• Compare how much you will be receiving as grants/scholarships, how much you will be taking in loans, and how much money you will need out-of-pocket

Visit the campus again:

• Call the admissions office and set up a tour

Make your decision:

• Notify the campus immediately once you have made your decision (most schools have a May 1^st deadline)

Notify the campuses you will NOT be attending so they can offer admittance to students on their wait list