How Do I Select a College?
This is a big decision! What should we be looking for as we begin this process? Here are a couple of things you can think about.
1. Know Yourself!
- What are my interests?
- What are my abilities, both academic and non-academic?
- What are my values?
2. Know Your Potential!
- Measurable factors include high school grades and college entrance
exam scores. However, these factors only measure a part of your potential.
- Nonmeasurable factors include motivation, commitment and interests. Don't forget to consider both factors when evaluating your potential.
3. Think Through the Following Factors:
- SIZE: Do I want a large, medium, or small school?
- TYPE OF SCHOOL: Do I want a state, private, or Christian college?
- LOCATION: Do I want to go away from home? If so, how far? Do I want to be near a big city or a small town? Would I prefer the Midwest, East, South or West?
- ACADEMICS: Would the school fulfill my academic needs? Could I meet the academic requirements?
- FINANCIAL: What are the total costs? Do I need financial aid support?
How do I (my family) plan to pay for my college education?
- SOCIAL: What is the campus ambiance? Is the college adequate for my
social and extracurricular interests? How does it "feel" to me?
- SPIRITUAL: What churches are near the campus? Are there sufficient
college fellowship and ministry opportunities?
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