Factors in Choosing College

8 Factors to Consider When Choosing a College

Selecting the right college to attend is a very tough and very important decision. This article includes information on different factors to keep in mind when choosing the best college for you.

While high school is tough, college is tougher. One of the first major choices for you as a young adult is your university or junior college; a decision that will affect the next several years of your life. While most students take parental desires, location of friends and university costs into consideration, there are also other equally important factors that should not be overlooked in the decision-making process.

Ideal Environment:

College isn't just a place for intellectual development--it is a place for social and personal development as well. Your level of involvement is an integral part of the experience so you should carefully consider the social aspect of any schools you're considering.

Distance from Home:

For many students, college can be a time of exploration. However, for other students, 'Home' is where the family is. Decide whether you would benefit from a new environment and people with backgrounds different from yours, or if you are more likely to thrive in a secure and familiar setting.

Commitment to Major Field:

Don't choose a college because of its reputation for specific programs unless you're strongly committed to one major. If you're likely to change your mind a few times, choose a school where you can take time to explore all your options.

Curriculum:

Some people perform better and learn more in a college that has a core curriculum or a number of requirements for graduation while others prefer exploring new fields on their own. Will you benefit from a structured curriculum, or do you want to develop new interests in your own time?

Academic Pressure:

More often than not, students fail in college due to the academic pressure--a lack of intellectual ability is rarely the problem. Evaluate carefully...