Your Guide to Finding the Right College Fit
This guide delves into key topics and questions to ask around the four pillars of a college decision:
academics | cost | campus life | career
This guide delves into key topics and questions to ask around the four pillars of a college decision:
academics | cost | campus life | career
Choosing a college is an exciting process! The transition from high school to college marks a major change in your life. Many people say that they discovered their true identity during college. There is so much of the world to explore, and the college setting offers access to many pieces of this world.
Much like a plant, the setting you choose determines whether you will flourish; therefore, it is important to be intentional when choosing a college. The fact is, 35% of student transfer schools and over 80% change majors. These choices result in an average of 5.8 years in college and years of debt.
While these are serious impacts to consider, you can avoid these mistakes with proper planning.
Many students’ college lists are based on what their friends are talking about, their parents’ alma mater, or high-profile college sports on ESPN. That may be a fine way to begin the conversation about college, but ultimately, families need to approach college planning more strategically.
Let’s explore the key topics and questions to ask around the four pillars that make up the College List Strategy:
Campus Life | Academic | Cost | Career
Academic Fit breaks down into two categories —your preferences and the schools' requirements. Obviously you want to match your academic interests with a college, but ultimately you must be able to get in. Let’s take a deeper look.
Does the school have your intended major? If so, how does that school perform in that major compared to your other choices?
Does the university have a strong reputation for support services such as tutoring?
How much effort are you going to put in during high school? What type of challenge are you looking for in college? Choose the school selectivity accordingly.
Are you comfortable in larger lectures or do you prefer a more personal attention from professors?
What is the school’s retention rate (how many students return after freshman year)? What is the school’s 4 and 6-year graduation rate?
Insider Tip
It isn't just your GPA and test score that admissions offices consider. Many times your major, your high school, location, or even ethnicity can influence your ability to get in.
Kevin Krebs
Kevin Krebs (CEO and Founder)
How do you match up with the school’s admissions requirements?
College costs can be confusing and intimidating, but if you know how to navigate them, you’ll be able to take control. The sticker price is rarely what you will actually pay to attend a college. You’ll want to consider your financial situation and potential return on investment.
EFC
What is your Expected Family Contribution (EFC)? This is the amount estimated by FAFSA that your family can to contribute out-of-pocket. It is primarily determined by your income and assets.
What percentage of need-based aid did the school fund last year? Not all schools will fund what the student’s family is unable to pay.
The higher the academic selectivity, generally the less merit-based aid available. Many highly selective schools don’t give merit aid at all; however, they give generous need-based aid. Just remember, the sticker price is rarely that actual cost to attend.
Dan Farnesi, College Counselor & Financial Specialist
Do they offer merit aid and scholarships (free money)?
What are the qualifications to earn merit aid at the school?
Deadlines
Are there any deadlines that will impact how much money you may receive?
Does the school have an early financial award deadline?
Outcomes
What percentage of students graduate in 4 years? With how much debt does the average student graduate with?
Fitting in at college is critical to a student’s success. We’ve all heard stories about homesickness. Ensuring the school matches up with the student’s unique personality will ensure they stay for the long run and enjoy their time at the school. The fact is, there are lots of schools to choose from — over 5,000, in fact. There is no ONE right answer — just the best answer for you.
Distance from Home
This is huge. Are you comfortable with a car ride or willing to take a flight?
Train, snow, or warm weather? A little bit of all? Research the averages; temperature by month, snowfall, rainfall and compare it to home.
Are you more comfortable as a small fish in a big pond or big fish in small pond? Campus size can range from a few hundred to over 50,000 students.
Setting
Are you a city person, or do you like the suburbs? Do people live on campus in dorms, or is this a commuter school? Are most students from in-state? Is the campus walkable? Do you feel safe?
Religion: Are there religious affiliations or requirements at the school?
Activities & clubs that interest you
Sports: Are you a big sports fan? What are the top sports at this college, and is that important to you?
Greek life: At some schools “going greek” is almost a requirement. At others, not so much. It’s your choice.
Consider your current high school environment, your town, and the social events in which you like to participate. What do you like or dislike? Use this information to home in on what your ideal college looks like.
Kevin Krebs, Founder
Last, but certainly not least, is career. College is all about your future. Your college choice greatly affects your career and earning potential.
When considering career, it’s best to look at statistics in your particular major as it can be quite different across the college.
Kevin Krebs, Founder
Alumni
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