So, You Want To Go To College...

by Nicole Vargas | Congratulations, you have made the decision to make higher education a part of your future. Deciding to go to college is a big step in and of itself, but it can be a daunting task when determining which college or university is the best fit for you. Bear in mind that the aim of this article is to act as a guide, to set forth some ideas that can help you. However, we certainly encourage you to continue your research as ultimately; the choice is yours and yours alone.

                High-school is the first place where you can get a rough idea of what you do or don’t want (for those who are no longer in HS, there will be a subsequent article specifically for you, hang in there!). High-schools usually host college fairs where dozens of college and universities table and provide information to perspective students. Think of this as a kind of speed-dating opportunity to sample schools and ask questions. A second resource within most schools is your guidance counselor. Guidance counselors are literally paid to assist students in matters such as these, so take advantage of them! They can offer materials, tools and can help you identify certain strengths that specific schools may be more equipped to help you capitalize on.

                No matter what some of your personal preferences are, when it comes to a college or university; whether it be large or small, quarter system or semester etc., there are certain elements that must be present in your future alma mater. Here are a few things to looks at: Does the college possess a strong advising department? An advising department that offers personalized guidance and direction based on the student’s goals is certainly a strong suit. Additionally, look at career services, the majority of schools should have one and the one you attend should definitely have one. However, an exceptional careers services is one that works with you and creates set plans that will help you attain necessary job experience. The career services department should not only help you build a resume, but point you in the direction of career fairs and internships that will give you the most return. A member of career services should not be merely helping you fulfill a requirement to graduate, but arming you with practical knowledge that can benefit you in any workplace.

                Another good factor to consider when looking at schools is the educative atmosphere. The best kind of education is one that can provide with you a multitude of backgrounds, ideas, challenges etc. It is important to make sure that the quality of education you receive at your institutions is a comprehensive combination of both hands-on and textbook learning. Are there professors who have careers built on these fields you are interested in? Are there presentations, workshops, speakers who can offer outside perspectives? Are there labs, fieldwork, or some other opportunities to get more actively involved in the curriculum you are studying? The more involved the better.

Higher education is one of the single most important investments of your life. The importance of that means you should take the time to investigate which college is going to give you the most return for your investment. The tragedy is that many undergrads leave school with a significant amount of debt. You may be one of those individuals. So, be smart with your money. Flashy accessories and cool customs are a fun part of the experience, but the primary reason for continued education is to learn. There are plenty of schools that can provide you with many of the great services listed above that don’t take such a huge toll financially. The best way to seek more information on these points is to ask. See if you can get in touch with a current student who can give you an honest perspective. Look into the numbers of the school, what is their retention rate? What is the rate of job success upon graduation? What kind of staff do they have working for them? What is the debt a student leaves with compared to the national average? Use your critical thinking skills when making a decision about higher education. As stated before, the aim of this article was to provide you with guidance and ideas that can help you make your decision and find happiness in meeting your goals. The college or university you attend can have an effect on the career path you take, it is a decision that you should not take lightly.  Rather, reach your decision intelligently, as your choice becomes your future.