Selecting the Right College

Question #1

What is the point of going to a very expensive Ivy Leaders school to get your undergraduate degree when you know that you are going to get your master's degree when you're done? I would like to go to Dartmouth, but I have a full scholarship to the University of Florida, so maybe I should go there and go to Dartmouth for my MBA. What is your opinion?

Ivy Leaders schools offer students great education and prestige. Many students find these schools attractive because they are selective, and because a degree from such a school is impressive on a job application. Yet there are great schools all over the country that offer a wonderful education and are easier to get into. And, as you know, public schools such as the University of Florida are more affordable.

The best way to decide what school is best for you is to consider all the angles. Ask yourself: "What schools offer strong programs in my major? How important is cost and will this scholarship make life easier for me in the future? Do I want to be close to home or further away on my own? What kind of college life is there?"

Do you prefer a large or small school? Would you be more comfortable in a traditional campus not close to a major city, or do you prefer to be in a large city? Are you looking for a certain student mix in terms of gender, religion, race, etc.? All of these questions play a major role in the college decision. You are right – if you choose to attend the University of Florida, you can always pursue a master's degree at Dartmouth or at another big-name school. But try not to think too far ahead. Base your decision on what each school can do for you right now as you pursue your bachelor's degree.

Question #2

I'm interested in a lot of different colleges and don't know which one I want to choose. Please help.

The best way to narrow down which colleges are best for you is to first ask yourself several general questions about college:

• – What am I interested in pursuing as a major?
• – What schools offer strong programs in my major?
• – How important is cost, and will scholarships be available at this school?
• – Do I want to live at home or on campus?
• – Do I want to be close to home or further away on my own?
• – Will I be more comfortable at a large university or a small private college?
• – Are my grades and test scores sufficient for acceptance?

Once you've answered each of these questions, make a list of the colleges you are considering and decide which ones best fit the criteria set by your answers.

The next step is to get specific information from each school left on the list. You may contact the schools directly or visit their websites to request catalogs, brochures, and anything else you think might aid the decision-making process.

Finally, once you've narrowed the list down again, schedule campus visits to the schools you are still interested in. You can schedule a tour, see a dorm room, and perhaps even sit in on a class. Many students base their final decision on a really good a campus visit. Then, once you've chosen the perfect school, begin the admissions process.

Follow this process and you should have no trouble (or at least less trouble!) choosing the right school for you.

The "College Speak" series explains the college-oriented vocabulary that you need to be in the know and focus on the more important questions, such as "which school would be the best fit for me?"

Today's terms are:

• full-time student,
• first-time student, and
• transfer student.

Full-Time Student: Unlike high school, most colleges don't care whether you're there from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every weekday. If you want, you can take just a single course at a time! (In that scenario, it will take you forever to get a degree, but, now that you're an adult, you can decide what's best for you.)

To be considered a full-time student, you will probably need to take either three or four courses every semester, trimester, or quarter. (Different colleges break up the year in different ways.) At most schools, three or four courses will give you about 12-15 credits, or 12-15 hours in class each week. That might not seem like a lot, but, for every in-class hour, you're generally expected to do two or three hours of out-of-class work. Being a full-time student takes about as much time as working a full-time job.

What's the benefit of being a full-time student? There are several, but the most important is that it allows you to graduate on time. Full-time students generally can get an associate's degree in two years or a bachelor's degree in four years.

First-Time Student: First-time students have never attended college before. This may sound pretty obvious. However, if you've taken AP or dual enrollment classes in high school, or have otherwise earned college credits before your freshman year of college, you may have questions about this. Fortunately, there's a simple answer: any college credits that you earn before you officially start college won't affect your first-time status. This includes any credits that you earn while a high school student.

Unless you're transferring from another college (see below), you'll be a first-time student and will fill-out applications for freshman or first-year admission.

Transfer Student: If you enroll at a college after you graduate from high school and earn credits there, you lose your first-time status and become a full-fledged college student. This is a good thing – most students never look back!

If, however, you decide that you'd rather be a college student somewhere else, the application process will be somewhat different the second time around. You will apply as a transfer student and will complete applications for transfer admission.

How important is your major?

Unlike tarot cards, the major you choose will neither predict nor guarantee your future. Many graduates find jobs that have nothing to do with what they studied in college. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the average twenty-something switches jobs once every three years and the average person changes career fields two or three times in their lifetime. Have no fear that choosing a college major will lock you into a specific career for the rest of your life. If you intend to earn a professional degree (like an MD) after college, you will probably need certain courses under your belt. But many future doctors major in non-science related fields.

When do I declare a major?

Preferably before you cross the dais at graduation. Seriously, the answer varies across schools and programs. Some colleges ask you to list your expected major on their application (although "undecided" is usually an option), but don't require you to declare definitively until sophomore or junior year. If you are interested in a major that requires a lot of classes, or classes that are limited to students in that major, then it is better to declare early. Some majors demand a strictly regimented order of courses, and if you fall behind, you may have to extend your college stay for a semester (or two or four).

Can I change my mind?

Definitely. One of the most exciting facets of college life is that it introduces you to new subjects and fosters new passions. You might enter undergrad enjoying physics but discover a burgeoning love for political science. However, keep this mind: Every major has requisite coursework. Some require you to take introductory courses before you move into the more advanced classes. Also, some classes are offered in the fall but not in the spring, or vice-versa. If you change your major late in the game, it may take more than the traditional four years to earn a degree.

Minors and Double Majors

If one field of study doesn't satisfy your intellectual appetite, consider a minor. A minor is similar to a major in that it's an area of academic concentration. The only difference is that a minor does not require as many classes. Some undergrads with a love of learning and an appetite for punishment choose to pursue two majors, often in totally different subjects. A double major provides you with an understanding of two academic fields. It allows you to become familiar with two sets of values, views and vocabularies. That said, it also requires you to fulfill two sets of requirements and take twice as many required classes. You won't have as many opportunities to experiment or take classes outside those two fields.

While a minor or a double major might make you more marketable, both professionally and for graduate study, both are time-and energy-intensive. Most students find that one major is more than enough.

Application

You can fill out a paper application or apply online. Most schools require you to list basic information about you and your family, as well as your GPA, standardized test scores, and any extracurriculars or awards you earned in high school. Over three hundred colleges and universities now accept the Common Application, a single form that you can fill out and submit to multiple schools. The Common Application is meant to simplify the admissions process for you. Using it means you don't have to fill out individual application forms for each school you apply to. There is no penalty for using it: Colleges are required to give equal consideration to students who use the Common Application and those who use the school's own application. If you do use the Common App, however, be advised that schools may have supplementary forms you'll need to fill out (including additional essays!).

Transcript

Some colleges require that your high school send your transcript directly, others allow you to send it. In the latter case, your high school will give you a sealed envelope. Do not break the seal on the envelope or your transcripts will not be accepted!

SAT or ACT Score Report

When you take the SAT or ACT, you can request that a score report be sent to your prospective colleges. Make sure you leave plenty of time for your scores to be processed and sent. Beginning in March 2009, students will be able to choose whether colleges see one, some or all of their scores for the SAT and SAT Subject Tests. You must opt into this program online or via telephone; otherwise schools will see all your scores. Be advised that you cannot mix and match sections (you can't send in your great Math score from June and your great Verbal from January).

Letters of Recommendation

Colleges usually require two or three letters of recommendation from high school teachers or guidance counselors. When requesting a letter of recommendation, pick someone who knows you well and can speak to your strengths. Approach your potential letter-writers about two months prior to the actual due date. Teachers and guidance counselors are usually swamped with term papers and other college application requests toward the end of the fall semester.

Personal Statement or Essay

This is by far the most time-consuming and difficult part of any application. The personal statement or essay is usually about 300 to 500 words in length, occasionally longer, depending on the college. The prompt or question will be provided in the application. Be sure to write in your own voice about a topic unique to you. We recommend writing several drafts. Proofread carefully, and ask a teacher to edit your work.

The College Fair

The college fair is a great way to collect information about potential schools. In terms of usefulness, we'd rank it below visiting campus and above typing "college" into Google.

Everyone wins in a college fair: high school students get face time with colleges from around the country in a single evening. Colleges can touch a cross-section of students from an area in a single evening.

Most students go to the fair unprepared, and that's a mistake. You should know what you are looking for before you arrive. Here are some tips to help you make the most of this opportunity:

Get a game plan.

Before you arrive at the fair, do your research. Which reps do you want to meet? What do you know about their college already and what do you want to know? If you have a conversation with a rep and she can clearly see you are interested and familiar with the school, that impression can have an impact. A few thoughtful, well-researched questions are best. It will also have an impact if you ask obvious questions like, "Where is your school?" or "Do you offer a business major?" If you can find the answer on their website, don't ask.

Play the part.

You don't need to rent a tux, but you don't want to look like you just peeled yourself off the couch. College reps will remember students who seem well put-together and who demonstrate serious interest in their schools. Show them you're interested by smiling, making eye contact and being polite. Demonstrate that you are a smart, likeable, inquisitive person who would make a great college student. If there are other students in the room who also have questions, make sure you don't hog the time.

Let your eyes wander.

It's okay to approach a school you are unfamiliar with. Smarter students seize the opportunity to learn about new schools, understanding that one of these freshly discovered colleges might be the perfect place for them. Be prepared to talk about yourself and what you are looking for.

Ask for contact information, and use it.

Make sure you get the admission rep's contact information. Within a day or two, send them a thank-you note and let them know you're interested in their school. Keep it short, polite and professional.

Find Your Best Fit College

The college search is not about getting into the best college. We don't believe in a best college. There is no school that is best for all students.

Some students do best at large public universities; others excel in small liberal arts colleges; still others want to study far from home.

If you want to make the most of college, don't just apply to the big-name schools or the ones your friends are excited about. Do your own research to find schools that are a great fit for you.

In the Beginning

It's never too early to start compiling a list of potential colleges. If you're a freshman or sophomore, go window-shopping. Check out colleges' websites and ask for ideas from friends, family and teachers. Keep a big list with every school that interests you. How should you decide which schools to include? Most students consider size, location, programs and majors available, cost and financial aid, extracurriculars and student life. Think about what you absolutely must have: a good chemistry program, a tennis team, a small campus. Over four years of high school, what you want will change. At first you may think going to a very big school is a good idea, until you realize that having 30,000 peers might be a tad overwhelming. Or, you might initially be set on staying close to home and then later discover you want to spread your wings. That's normal. Pay attention to your gut but keep an open mind. Sometimes your best fit school is not one you would have predicted.

The End is Near

As you get closer to senior year, it's time to start re-evaluating the list. By now you should have an understanding of how your transcript is shaping up. Use this information (along with your scores from any standardized tests) to divide your list into match, reach and safety schools. You should plan to apply to a few from each category. Keep in mind that admissions committees usually look beyond scores and grades, so having outstanding extracurriculars or experience can put more schools within your reach. The last – and most important – part of your research is the college visit. A visit can change everything. You may realize that your top choice school doesn't feel right, or that a college at the bottom of your list is actually perfect. Spend as much time on each campus as possible. Take the official tour, then go on your own unofficial one. Sit in on a class. Eat at the campus cafeteria. And most importantly, talk to current students to find out whether they're happy.