Since choosing a college is an important decision, you want to be sure that you use the right criteria in your college search. However, many times people have some wrong reasons for choosing a college. Those reasons oftentimes lead to dropping out during freshman year, changing colleges in the midst of a degree, and even stopping college altogether.
Here are 15 common mistakes made in choosing a college. As you can see, using them might cause some regret in the future:
1. Going to the same school a boyfriend or girlfriend is going to
The danger here is obvious. High school romances rarely last and once the romance ends, so does the love for the college.
Related Article: “8 Steps to Finding the Perfect College”
2. Only looking at the colleges your best friend is viewing
Friendships, while many last a lifetime, are no reason to make a college choice. Friends oftentimes have different educational goals and career paths. Even if they line up, evaluate the true reasons for choosing the college and be sure it’s not for friendship. When that friendship dissolves, it taints your view of the environment.
3. Picking a college to spite someone
Many times teens choose schools because it’s the last place their parents would want them to go: rebellion. Choosing a school just to get far away from home is not a valid educational decision.
4. Choosing a college because you love their football team
Being a Texas Aggie fan or a Texas Longhorn fan or a Notre Dame fan is no reason to attend their college. Investigate their academic programs and choose it if it gives you the best education for your needs and for your dollar.
5. Choosing a college based on its “party” ranking
You would be surprised how many students choose schools that are ranked high as a party school. They convince their parents it’s for the academics, but truthfully it is not. Too much partying equals academic failure. Besides, even the most stringent academic institutions have parties.
6. Limiting location
Don’t just look at colleges close to home. Check out some schools that are a little further away. It will increase your options.
7. Failing to define your criteria
It’s perfectly acceptable to not know what you want at any point in the search. But simply applying the “enny meeny minny mo” technique is not a good way to choose.
8. Making cost the only determining factor
Until you have investigated how a college gives out financial aid, don’t discount pricey schools. You might be surprised at the amount of aid you receive that will offset the high tuition.
9. Not visiting a college before applying (or even accepting)
That seems rather illogical, but many students accept based on other students opinions or recommendations. Before you apply, visit the college to get a feel for the campus. And if you can’t do it before you apply, do it before you accept
10. Letting the choice just happen
Many teens just slide in to the most comfortable place: they got an email from someone; their friend suggests it; their parents went there. Neither of these are good reasons to attend college.
11. Picking a college to impress someone
This is not a reason to choose a college. Keeping up with the Jones’ or trying to impress your friends will only result in being unhappy at school.
12. Believing that the harder a college is to get into, the better it must be
The best colleges are sometimes the ones that have a high rate of acceptance. Research is the key to finding out the benefits of these schools.
13. Assuming that all colleges are the same
All colleges offer an education, but not all colleges are the same. Programs, athletics, campus life, and even teaching styles vary. All of these can affect the overall college experience.
14. Relying on someone else’s opinion
Never assume anything about a particular college until you investigate and gather information. Opinions vary and at any given time you will always find someone that loves or hates a particular school.
15. Choosing a college based solely on a major
It’s common to change your major after taking some of the courses and realizing it’s not a field that interest you. Make sure the college has a variety of majors available just in case you change your mind.
Since choosing a college requires a substantial monetary investment and affects your future career goals, make choices based on the right criteria. Choosing for the wrong reasons can be costly.
]]>Remington College is one of these institutions, as the online school recently announced that several of its internet-based degree programs are now accepting enrollees.
Students may choose to pursue either associate’s or bachelor’s degrees in various fields. Two-year degree programs are available in criminal justice or paralegal studies, while bachelor’s candidates may choose to complete business administration, criminal justice or organizational management courses.
Business students may choose to specialize in accounting, general business, management, marketing or human resources.
School officials said that its web-based offerings are intended to enable enrollees to keep up with their family or professional obligations while they chase their educational and career goals.
Individuals who choose to pursue similar courses of study are likely to have round-the-clock access to their curriculum, syllabi, school policy information and calendars as well as discussion boards. Because these programs typically require students to take exams and turn in their assignments online, enrollees can study from anywhere they can find an internet connection.
]]>
What does that mean? It means that there is a college for everyone. It also means that the choice is always yours, not the other way around. If a college doesn’t want you, why would you want to go there? If they can’t see value in having you on their campus, then you shouldn’t waste your time trying to get there. You want to go where the college values your contribution. You want to spend those four years in a place where you are challenged, appreciated and involved.
Broaden your search
There are over 4000 public and private higher institutions in this country. So many students stay within miles of their hometowns. Broaden your search and you will be amazed at the varied number of choices you will find available. Use the College Navigator to find some gems that you might not have known about.
Visit some colleges
You can’t know that “perfect fit” until you visit the campus. If you are clueless about where you want to attend, make some preliminary college visits. Talk to students. Find out what you like and don’t like about the campuses. It will help you make a list of likes and dislikes and help you narrow down a list.
Think outside the box
Everybody dreams of going to Harvard. But did you know there are over 40 colleges in the Boston area alone? Think about attending a small liberal arts college like Maryville College in Tennessee (low faculty to student ratio). Don’t assume that state universities are the best bargain. Expensive private colleges have alumni donors and give the most financial aid through grants, bringing your total cost down, often less than the state university. Would it be more cost effective to attend a local community college for the first few years and transfer? Or would you prefer to work full time and attend college online at your convenience? Many brick and mortar colleges also have online degree programs. But be careful—make sure the degree program is fully accredited.
Finding that “perfect fit” college requires planning, research and a little bit of intuition. But in the end, you’re paying for that education. You are the customer. You get to make the choice. Any smart consumer knows that purchasing with confidence is the key to getting the most for your money and the product (in this case education) that you were promised.
]]>