Tips For Finding Your College Match Characteristics You

tips for finding your college match =================================== characteristics you should consider ----------------------------

Tips for Finding Your College Match
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Characteristics You Should Consider
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How can you find colleges that match your needs? First, identify your
priorities. Next, carefully research the characteristics of a range of
schools. Finally, match the two. Here are some college characteristics
you should consider.
Size of the Student Body
Size will affect many of your opportunities and experiences,
including:
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Range of academic majors offered
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Extracurricular possibilities
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Amount of personal attention you'll receive
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Number of books in the library
When considering size, be very sure to look beyond the raw number of
students attending. For example, perhaps you're considering a small
department within a large school. Investigate not just the number of
faculty members, but also how accessible they are to students.
Location
Do you want to visit home frequently, or do you see this as a time to
experience a new part of the country? Perhaps you like an urban
environment with access to museums, ethnic food, or major league ball
games. Or maybe you hope for easy access to the outdoors or the
serenity of a small town.
Academic Programs
If you know what you want to study, research reputations of academic
departments by talking to people in the fields that interest you. If
you're undecided, relax and pick an academically balanced institution
that offers a range of majors and programs. Most colleges offer
counseling to help you find a focus.
In considering academic programs, look for special opportunities and
pick a school that offers many possibilities.
Campus Life
Consider what your college life will be like beyond the classroom. Aim
for a balance between academics, activities, and social life. Before
choosing a college, learn the answers to these questions:
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What extracurricular activities, athletics, and special interest
groups are available?
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Does the community around the college offer interesting outlets
for students?
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Are students welcomed by the community?
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Is there an ethnic or religious group in which to take part?
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How do fraternities and sororities influence campus life?
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Is housing guaranteed?
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How are dorms assigned?
Cost
Today's college price tag makes cost an important consideration for
most students. At the same time, virtually all colleges work to ensure
that academically qualified students from every economic circumstance
can find financial aid that allows them to attend. In considering
cost, look beyond the price tag.
Diversity
Explore what you might gain from a diverse student body. Think about
the geographic, ethnic, racial, and religious diversity of the
students as a means of learning more about the world. Investigate what
kinds of student organizations, or other groups with ethnic or
religious foundations, are active and visible on campus.
Retention and Graduation Rates
One of the best ways to measure a school's quality and the
satisfaction of its students is to learn the percent of students who
return after the first year and the percent of entering students who
remain to graduate. Comparatively good retention and graduation rates
are indicators that responsible academic, social, and financial
support systems exist for most students.