University/College Pathway
Considerations When Researching Universities/Colleges
Considerations When Researching Universities/Colleges
Country
- Distance from family and/or support networks
- Language of study
- Travel & living costs
- Culture
Type of Institution
- Highly specialized
- Liberal arts
- Interdisciplinary programs
- Public or private
- Highly academic or more practical
Size / Location / Environment
- Large or small
- Urban or rural
- Class sizes
- Public transportation
- Climate / weather
Area of Study
- Curriculum requirements
- Availability of project-based learning
- Majors & minors
- Study abroad opportunities
- Internships and work opportunities
- Interdisciplinary / student-designed programs
Faculty / Facilities
- Professor to student ratio
- Are faculty dedicated to teaching or focused on their own research?
- Do graduate students teacher many courses?
- Do students get to use the research labs and equipment as undergraduates?
Student Body
- How large is the international student population?
- Is there special support for international students?
- What is the fraternity and sorority presence on campus?
- What student activities and clubs are active on campus?
- Do most students live on or off campus?
Housing
- What are the on-campus housing options?
- Is there an international house or other ‘theme’ housing?
- What are the dorms like, e.g. students per room and coed or single sex?
- What are the dorm rules?
- Where do freshman live in their first year? Are there requirements?
Costs
- How much is tuition at the school?
- How much are living and travel costs per year?
- Does the school offer financial aid?
- What kind, e.g. need-based, merit-based, sports, etc? Loans or grants?
Special Programs
- Does the school offer study abroad programs?
- Are there work-study options?
- Are there intramural or competitive sports?
- Creative or performing opportunities?
- Do students do internships? How well are these networked and supported?
Admissions Requirements
- Are your grades good enough for admission?
- Do you have or can you get the necessary test scores?
- Are your test scores good enough to meet the entry requirements?
- Is the university accredited/recognized?
- What if you want to transfer?