by Meggan Mattson & Mike Deutsch
Last month we warned you to be wary of the numbers when researching colleges and universities and suggested looking beyond those numbers to find the right fit. Outside of published statistics, what else should you consider? Where should your focus lie? What questions should you be asking of these colleges and universities? It is important to consider ALL aspects of the college experience in order to find the school where you can truly thrive.
Here are some additional factors to research and consider in your search:
• Academics—does the school offer options within your area of interest/major?
• The middle 50%--what is the “average” GPA and test score for admitted students? Do you fit into that middle 50%?
• Classroom setting—do you function best in a large lecture hall, or a more intimate classroom setting?
• Social scene—what do students do for fun on campus and in town?
• Extracurricular activities—athletics, clubs/organizations, study abroad, Greek life, ROTC, etc.
• Culture—on campus and in surrounding town…music, arts, theatre
• Location—not just the state, but the campus community AND surrounding city/town
• Distance from home—is it important to be within a 2-3 hour drive of your family?
• Size of the school—there are some major differences (and not just the enrollment number) in small, medium, and larger institutions
• Total cost—bottom-line cost and availability of financial aid and scholarships
• Prestige—does the name of the school factor into your decision?
• Opportunities for internships, work experience, research
• Academic challenge
• Academic support
Think about how you envision your college experience and how all of these factors play into that vision. Take the time to consider all aspects of your experience now so you will feel confident in your decision when submitting your applications!
Meggan Mattson and Mike Deutsch, both former high school counselors, created College Fit Counseling, LLC to help students and families navigate the college search and selection process. They assist with all pieces of the process: from creating a college list of “good fit” schools, through college applications and essays, and into applying for financial aid and scholarships. Visit our website at www.collegefitcounseling.com for more information on services offered. Or, contact us at meggan@collegefitcounseling.com or 773-807-4079 with further questions and to see how we can help you.
Last month we warned you to be wary of the numbers when researching colleges and universities and suggested looking beyond those numbers to find the right fit. Outside of published statistics, what else should you consider? Where should your focus lie? What questions should you be asking of these colleges and universities? It is important to consider ALL aspects of the college experience in order to find the school where you can truly thrive.
Here are some additional factors to research and consider in your search:
• Academics—does the school offer options within your area of interest/major?
• The middle 50%--what is the “average” GPA and test score for admitted students? Do you fit into that middle 50%?
• Classroom setting—do you function best in a large lecture hall, or a more intimate classroom setting?
• Social scene—what do students do for fun on campus and in town?
• Extracurricular activities—athletics, clubs/organizations, study abroad, Greek life, ROTC, etc.
• Culture—on campus and in surrounding town…music, arts, theatre
• Location—not just the state, but the campus community AND surrounding city/town
• Distance from home—is it important to be within a 2-3 hour drive of your family?
• Size of the school—there are some major differences (and not just the enrollment number) in small, medium, and larger institutions
• Total cost—bottom-line cost and availability of financial aid and scholarships
• Prestige—does the name of the school factor into your decision?
• Opportunities for internships, work experience, research
• Academic challenge
• Academic support
Think about how you envision your college experience and how all of these factors play into that vision. Take the time to consider all aspects of your experience now so you will feel confident in your decision when submitting your applications!
Meggan Mattson and Mike Deutsch, both former high school counselors, created College Fit Counseling, LLC to help students and families navigate the college search and selection process. They assist with all pieces of the process: from creating a college list of “good fit” schools, through college applications and essays, and into applying for financial aid and scholarships. Visit our website at www.collegefitcounseling.com for more information on services offered. Or, contact us at meggan@collegefitcounseling.com or 773-807-4079 with further questions and to see how we can help you.
