subject: Rules for Choosing a University [print this page] Rules for Choosing a University Rules for Choosing a University
1. Never make the final university selection without visiting the top 2-3 choices. However well you consider to know a university, you will learn a lot by spending several hours on campus, compising whether the university is a good suit for you. Actually, having your family accompany you on school visits is a good idea as it gives you additional "eyes and ears," the people with who you will discuss your impressions. 2. A university is not necessarily good for you as its name is popular. It might seem obvious, though you would not think how many students match academic quality with a name recognition. 3. Investigate 3-4 colleges you know nothing or little about but provided the area (s) of study of concern to you, are suitably selective for students having your grades and ACT or SAT scores, and are situated in geographic areas appealing to you. Actually you have nothing to miss and you could make a good discovery. A little bit of research as well as an open mind will increase the odds you make the best college choice. 4. There are few worse reasons to choose a university than as your friends plan to go there. Opting for a college as your girlfriend is headed is one of them. Indeed, if there is any worse reason to select a college, this escapes us. 5. Investigate and make sure to distinguish reality from opinions. Lots of people will refer to a university as "nice", "hard to enter", "a party college", "too costly", etc. without knowing the facts. You shouldn't accept such kinds of generalizations with no evidence. 6. Don't rule out schools early due to cost. Lots of colleges provide financial aid, scholarships, as well as tuition installment plans making them more affordable than it may first sem. You will never know how much this will cost you to attend a school until the end of the process.
