Choosing the Right College

Depending on your personal interests, the following characteristics should play a role in helping you narrow down the field of colleges.

AFFILIATION Public Private, independent Private, church affiliated Proprietary SIZE Very small (fewer than 1,000 students) Small (1,000-3,999 students) Medium (4,000-8,999 students) Large (9,000-19,000 students) Very Large (more than 20,000 students) COMMUNITY Rural Small town Suburban Urban LOCATION In your hometown Less than 3 hours from home More than 3 hours from home HOUSING Dorm Off-camous apartment Home Facilities and services for students with disabilities STUDENT BODY All male All female Coed Minority representation Primarily one religious denomination Primarily full-time students Primarily part-time students Primarily commuter students Primarily residential students

ACADEMIC ENVIRONMENT Majors offered Student-faculty ratio Faculty teaching reputation Instruction by professors versus teaching assistants Facilities (such as classrooms and labs) Libraries Independent study available International study available Internships available FINANCIAL AID Scholarships Grants Loans Work-study program Part-time or full-time jobs SUPPORT SERVICES Academic counseling Career/placement counseling Personal counseling Student health facilities ACTIVITIES/SOCIAL CLUBS Clubs, organizations Greek life Athletics, intramurals Other ATHLETICS Division I, II, or III Sports offered Scholarships available Specialized Programs Gifted student services Services for student with disabilities or special needs

Back to Top