What makes something the one? What pointers do I keep in mind when deciding my options? Well let's explore that shall we? As you can see, this is a follow up to my previous post. In this particular time of mine, it is college acceptance and of course you can't forget its complementary sidekick, rejections season. It's early, but during the time of waiting, as a future college freshman, I must explore my options more carefully. I've done my research on the major component of choosing a college. Now there are more to keep in mind. They include:
1. Programs, Scholarships, Benefits
Different colleges have different programs and benefits to their institution. Some have scholarships that pay for a huge part of tuition or housing. Others have honors program or a program specifically for a major. Not only that, some include priority registration if one is part of the honors program and so forth. I like to keep these in mind to help me figure out which I may prefer more as the time to choose will be here sooner than ever.
2. Food
Who doesn't like food? I done some of my research on what food places are around the campus, on and off. This also includes markets that I can shop at for various items I may want or need. This I feel may not seem a big deal, but I personally like to know I have choices when it comes to eating. A full stomach with good food fuels a brain for college work. With energy, how can anyone function as efficiently?
3. Deadlines
This is a big one. I possibly should have mention this one sooner. This has definitely been a big tush kicker for me. I see deadlines left and right, but sometimes as students, we forget and think that we have lots of time. Then we forget and have lots of other work to deal with. If not, we don't see the deadline or possibly there wasn't a deadline on a page on the website and we should ask. Nevertheless, take advantage of applications and check out college websites to see what other things you may find useful or applicable to you.
4. Reviews
I like to check out websites that allow alumni or current students at the institutions to share their experience and thoughts about the college itself. It is a great way to find out about the institution itself.
5. Campus or Virtual Tours
Tour the campus or take a virtual one online. It is nice to explore the campus before accepting the college offer.
6, Courses
If you're as crazy as me, I have done some search on what classes I will take for my major/minor that I will/may go into. Depending on what college, it will have different requirements. Some are more and some are less. Some are just different courses, but they are in the same direction. Some even require physical education courses to be taken before graduating. That reminds me, CSU colleges require passing the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) in order to graduate. Look up course catalogs to see what you may be in for. It may be surprising for some.
7. Distance, Tuition, Diversity
Do you want to stay close or go far? Can you afford it? Do you want to meet people from all around the world? Would you like to meet people from different cultures? These are things I keep in mind as well.
These are some of the various activities I have done during my free time (or even times when I prefer to take a break from current work). It helps to get familiar with the colleges you have applied to so you can decide which one is best for you a little ahead of time. It never hurts to know more about a college. Hope this helps a little for those like me on this journey or for those in the future.
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