Overview
College is the determining factor for a student’s career hence it is very important that you select the college wisely.
To make things simpler we have listed down some guidelines to help you select a suitable college for yourself or your ward.
General Advice
When you have a list of colleges in your mind, it is better to some background research about the college. Ask friends and ex-students of the same college for advice. You can even check the college’ over all ranking online.
- Consult with trusted sources
It is recommended that you consult your friends and ex-students before making a list of colleges. You could even ask your teachers and tuition/classes teachers for suggestions. Incase you find the options overwhelming, you can consult a student’s counsellor for help.
Shortlist atleast 10-15 colleges and if possible apply to all of them. There are chances you might not get selected by your preferred colleges and in such cases it is always good to have a backup options.
Another important criterion to consider is the location. When you shortlist colleges, consider the travelling aspect as well, whether is it feasible to travel to the said location everyday and even calculate the travelling expense.
Education Goals
- Know what you want to study
Be clear and specific about the course you want to study. Research online for various courses that are available in colleges. Know your strengths and interests and pursue a course accordingly.
- Find out best colleges for that career
If you know what career you want to pursue, try to find colleges that offers congregate programs for the same. Check out which colleges are popular when it comes to the said course and what colleges offer campus recruitment.
- Ask people who are working in that field
You can always seek guidance from professionals who are working in your field of interest. If you do not know anyone from the field of your preference, you can join professional chatrooms and even consult career counsellors.
If you have your heart set on a particular college or a few colleges, research or inquire about the previous year’s cut-offs. This will give an idea as to how much percentage you need to get into the said college. This will also serve as motivation to score well in your exams.
Future Prospects
Consider the college’s reputation if you are getting into a competitive field. A well-known college will help you gain an advantage over for your future goals.
Different colleges and courses have different fee structures. Enquire about the fees of the your preferred course in various colleges and select one that suits your budget.
The Social Aspects
What do you prefer, a big college with a big campus as a city or a smaller college that caters to a small population of students? A public or private college? These factors help in determining what college will be suitable for you or your ward.
Ensure that you are enrolling in a college where you feel invited and welcomed. It makes no sense to go to a college where you cannot fit in. However, a change in environment must always be welcomed, because college is about widening your horizon and exploring your potential.
- Inquire about College and Campus activities
Inquire if there are any clubs or social activities in the college. This can also help you develop skills over time and learn new things.
If you are an athlete, inquire about sports activities and tournaments of the college. The college that hones your skills is best suitable for you.
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