Dream Colleges
In high school you were overwhelmed with getting passing grades, studying for the SATs or the ACTs, and joining as many sports and clubs possible, all so you may get accepted to your dream college. But what influenced your decision and made you determine what a “dream” college was? And then, how did you decide what college(s) fell into your category of “dream school”?
According to a 2008 survey by University of California, L.A., the following categories were ranked as most important in why students chose a particular school. Some of the top reasons were:
- High academic reputation
- Cost of tuition
- School size
- The social scene
- The location
- The religious affiliation/orientation of the school
Other categories that are important to consider, but were not evaluated in the UCLA study are:
- The reputation and collegiate division of the sports programs
- International programs and opportunities (studying abroad)
- Programs of study (majors)
- The facilities (the library, classroom technology, building conditions, gyms)
- Quality of faculty and staff size (ratio of professors to students)
And we must not forget family and peer pressure. Do we continue the family legacy, follow our friends, or rebel against both groups?
There is, without a doubt, a lot to consider when picking your college. This enormous decision gives weight to why 1 in 3 students will transfer at some point in their college career.*
Before picking your school be sure you research your options in detail. Check out the studies and rankings done by organizations such as the US News and World Report and the Princeton Review. Visit the colleges and meet with faculty and staff. Also visit friends and family at various colleges to get a taste of the social and academic environments.
College should be the best years of your life. Plan ahead by knowing what you want in a school, consider the three major areas: academics, social environment and finances. Give your school a reasonable chance and if you find you aren’t happy determine why. Can you change it by joining clubs or moving to a different section of campus? If your decision is to transfer schools re-evaluate what is important to you and what you need in a college. Make a check-list, research other schools, visit those new choices and apply as a transfer student.
Share with us how happy you are with your college pick. If you wish you had chosen a different school, what would you have instead given more weight to in your decision?
*According to an April 2010 report by the National Association for College Admission Counseling.