Factors to Consider in Selecting a College

Many college-bound students rely on others for affirmation of their potential college choices. Students trying to make sense of all the information they have received will try the names of some colleges on their friends. If they receive a positive response, the stock of the college mentioned soars. If, however, the friends respond negatively, chances of that college remaining on the list are small.

Although common enough, this represents decision-making without taking into account any vital considerations. One of the best approaches is to start from scratch and systematically design a college that fits the student's interests and is appropriate to academic ability.

Some factors to consider in describing the ideal college are:

1. Size — Small liberal arts colleges are primarily residential and focus on teaching. They may offer fewer academic and extracurricular options than larger institutions.

2. Location — Small college towns offer safety and support for the college student, but they may be too sleepy for some. Large cities offer many cultural, educational, and internship opportunities for college students, but they can be expensive, distracting, and dangerous.

3. Academic environment — Academically challenging institutions may suit the highly motivated student but may be daunting to the less academically inclined. Institutions of less academic orientation may frustrate the developing scholar and result in poor performance.

4. Social environment — Students who long for a campus with a great deal of spirit will be disappointed by a campus that is more formal and less social. Serious students will be distracted and often annoyed by the frenetic party atmosphere of some campuses.

5. Major — Parents often insist that students choose colleges that offer majors in areas that are deemed highly employable. Students are encouraged, however, to choose colleges based on their overall outlook because the choice of a major usually has relatively little to do with one's ultimate career options. This is especially true if the student is considering a liberal arts major.

6. Extracurricular activities — Students may wish to engage in special activities, such as drama, debate, journalism, club sports, student government, or others. Colleges pride themselves on the multiplicity of clubs and organizations that are available to their students. Prospective students should be sure that their interests, even if they are only developing interests, are available on the campuses they are considering.

7. Costs — Higher education, especially the private version, is expensive. However, prospective students should not let the cost constrain their choices of potential colleges. Colleges are aware of the difficulty of funding higher education and want to help in any way they can. Scholarship and financial aid programs may make the difference between the cost of public and private higher education affordable.

8. Other issues — Each student will bring special needs and hopes to the college choice process. Those should be considered when the list of colleges is compiled. Make sure that all the elements desired in the college experience are available in the schools that make the list.

The best way to learn about what colleges and universities offer is to do the research on the Internet, read the materials that are sent to you, and talk to alumni or current students. All these perspectives are useful. But the best measure of a college's fit for the prospective student is the firsthand visit. All the publications and web sites are no substitute for the in-person view of the place where the student will spend four (or more) very important years.

Campus visits should be more than taking the tour and a chat with the admission office counselor. Visitors should talk to students, attend classes, visit the residence halls, eat the food in the cafeteria, and read the student newspaper. Try to see how the place feels, and if there is a resonance with the personality of the prospective student.

Choosing a college is an imprecise science, but one that responds best to those who are organized and know what they want. By being systematic and thoughtful, much frustration will be avoided. Always remember that the admission office professionals are there to help you make the right decision, even if you decide their college isn't right for you.

Provided by R. Fred Zuker, Ph.D., Vice President & Dean of Student Services at University of Dallas.