Factors to consider when choosing a college

ACADEMICS

• What is the average class size? Largest? Smallest?

• How many students in last year’s freshman class returned for their sophomore year?

• What was the grade point average for the freshman class last year?

• What is the college’s procedure for student orientation and scheduling?

• How much reading, writing, class participation is expected?

• How is a faculty advisor assigned to students?

• What service does the school offer for the student who is undecided about a major?

• How many students complete a degree? What are the most popular majors?

• Are students taught by full time faculty members, graduate assistants, or a combination of both?

• What types of additional services are provided by the school at no additional cost to the student (e.g. tutoring, career and personal counseling, developmental reading and study skills workshops, job placement)?

• Is there an honors program? What are the qualifications for entry?

• What is the average number of years it takes for students to graduate?

• What is the process for declaring/being accepted into a major?

• What is the profile of those accepted into their major vs. another college?

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• What high school courses are required?

• Are entrance tests required? Which ones? What scores are acceptable?

• Is a certain grade point average or class rank required?

• Will my activities and school involvement be considered?

• Is there an essay on the application? Is it read?

• Is there an early decision or early action plan?

• Are there personal interviews or letters of recommendation required?

• Do certain majors have special requirements?

• What percent of applicants are accepted?

• What is the application filing date?

• What is the school’s deferment policy?

COLLEGE CHARACTERISTICS

• Where is the college located (city, suburb, small town, rural setting)?

• What is the surrounding community like?

• Is the college public, private, church affiliated?

• What is the current student enrollment?

• What special or unique programs are offered?

• Does the college have general education or course distribution requirements? What are they?

• Does the college have special programs for transfer students?

• What is the academic calendar (semesters, quarters)?

• What is the extent of their accommodations for students with disabilities?

COST

• What are the costs for tuition? Room and board? Other fees?

• How much did costs increase from last year to this year?

• Is there a difference in the costs for in-state and out-or-state students?

• Are accepted students required to place deposits for tuition and housing? Are these refundable?

• By when must accepted students decide whether they will attend?

• Are deposits required each year for returning students?

• When do the bills have to be paid?

• Is the public college or university you’re considering part of the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)? Go to http://wue.wiche.edu to see participating institutions and if you qualify for a reduced tuition rate.

FINANCIAL AID

• What percent of students receive financial aid based on financial need?

• What percent of students receive scholarships based on academic ability?

• What would be a typical financial aid package for a freshman?

• What percent of those who apply for financial aid receive it?

• Will my financial aid be adjusted if my need increases?

• What are the financial aid application procedures and deadlines?

• When are financial aid applicants notified of their awards?

• How long do they have to respond? Is there a tuition payment plan?

• Are there campus jobs available? Are there off campus jobs as well?

• How do I find out if I qualify for the work/study program?

SOCIAL LIFE

• What is the average age of the student body?

• What is the male to female ratio?

• What percent of students reside on campus?

• Are dorms co-ed or single sex?

• Is it a “suitcase college” where many of the students leave on the weekends?

• What are the procedures for selecting a roommate?

• What are some of the rules and regulations that govern campus and dormitory life?

STUDENT POPULATION

• Where do the majority of students come from?

• Do most of the students commute or live on campus?

• What types of student activities are there? Are sororities and fraternities on campus?

• What athletic programs are available?

• Is the surrounding community supportive of the college?

• Does the college have a campus visitation program?

• Is housing available/guaranteed for freshman? Is it available for all four years?

• Service learning opportunities?