What was important to you when picking a college?

1. 69

   Sarah Griffithposted 14 years ago

   There's so many things to consider when choosing which college to attend, what was most important to you?

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   1. 60

      surfriderposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Reputation: Is it a party school, or known for being a serious research institution?
      
      Location: Too close/too far from home? Climate, rent, etc.
      
      Major: Do they offer the major I want? Is their department staffed with professors I would like to learn from and do undergraduate research/work with?

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   2. 67

      Wendy S. Wilmothposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      All of the tips that folks have given here are good.  I would add one more important consideration: library resources. Is the college library a comfortable place to be, with good student work space and adequate computers? Does the library subscribe to the best online databases for your area of study? Is the library's website easy to use? Are the librarians friendly, knowledgeable and helpful? Is the dean accessible and receptive to student needs and complaints? When you visit, ask students, and don't be afraid to talk to the librarians. If they do not want to talk to you and help you with your questions, there is a problem.

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   3. 59

      couturepopcafeposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Assuming the school is accredited, decide what is important to you.  Does the school have an extensive program in the field you want to pursue?  Size of the school.  Larger schools have more opportunities but smaller schools have smaller class sizes, therefore students may get more attention.  I went to a small art college but in the end realized I could have had more class opportunities in a larger school.
      
      If you plan to move forward, finish your Associate's first.  Don't go straight for the Bachelor's.  That way if you don't like the school you can finish one program and change schools for the next.  You often can't transfer credits from a private school to another private or public school but you can transfer from a public to private or public to public.

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   4. 51

      williamdrekposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      There are quite a few factors that need to be considered when picking a college. You cannot also have "the most important factor" and usually the decision to pick a college depends on a lot of factors combined together. That being said, following are the factors which need to be considered when choosing a college-
      1. Does the college offer the degree  that interests you?
      2. Is the college accredited?
      3. How much would the degree cost you?
      4. Is the faculty qualified and experienced?
      5. Does the college offer support for students to study and enhance career prospects? Eg - Library, Seminars, Study Groups, Computer Labs, Workshops etc.
      6.Does the college offer student support services?
      7. Does the college encourage extracurricular activities? Eg - Sports Events, Camps, College Festivals etc
      
      Above are a few questions which I feel one should get answers to before a decision on picking the college can be made. College degrees are offered by numerous colleges and they look promising as well. But remember, going to college is not only about getting a degree but also to grow as an individual, which can only happen if the college offers an environment for an overall development.

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2. 72

   Iontachposted 14 years ago

   College's reputation, location and appealing courses...

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3. 60

   paradigmsearchposted 14 years ago

   Accreditation! Accreditation! Accreditation!
   
   By the State.

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   1. 67

      Wendy S. Wilmothposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Absolutely. If you do not attend an accredited school, you may not be able to get a job or get into grad school.

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      1. 67

         Wendy S. Wilmothposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Another note: recognized accediting agencies are regional, covering multiple states. Choose a school accredited by one of the agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of education: http://www2.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html

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4. 37

   cwardenposted 14 years ago

   I had to find a way to work and take care of my children while I went to college. As a single mom I didn't want to, and couldn't afford to put my kids into additional day/night care to go to school. So, working around my schedule was most important to me. Of course, it was also extremely important that the college I went to was accredited, had a good reputation and a good success rate. No matter what circumstances you are in, you have to be sure you are going to have a degree that is worth the time, effort and money you invest.

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5. 59

   optimus grimlockposted 14 years ago

   unfortunatly it was football 1st then journalism. next time around im goin for journalism 1st!

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6. 59

   optimus grimlockposted 14 years ago

   Make sure the staff is coming back the next year and there not leaving! thats what happend to me and I let it hurt my edamactional expierence!

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   1. 59

      couturepopcafeposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      What is edamactional?

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7. 59

   optimus grimlockposted 14 years ago

   If you've lived in the carolina's or georgia its an inside joke on education

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   1. 78

      kirstenblogposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Reminded me of a joke we had in Missouri back when I was a wee lass
      
      Gots to gets me an edgeumakation so's I don't end up in the da state penetentary like my brother Jethro!

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8. 81

   StephanieBCrosbyposted 14 years ago

   For me, the most important aspect was the size and "feel" of the school. I wanted a small college where I would not be a number, could easily get in contact with professors, and feel like I was at home. The award money and location were big factors too.

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9. 48

   vivek83posted 13 years ago

   I think most of the students want to be in Top College due to of their highly qualified faculty members and job placement in Multinational companies. All knows that Brand name matters a lot and also helps the students in getting better job opportunities in Big Companies just only because they have brand name.
   
   There are some students who want to take admission in that college which is in their own city. But in that case students have to put extra effort to get high ranks in that college because that will help them to place in decent companies who wants toppers.

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10. 52

    ForYourInfoposted 13 years ago

    The reputation of the college ,the distance from your home,the subject you are willing to have as major the mostly the faculties are the basic needs of choosing a good college.

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11. 51

    moisesklineposted 12 years ago

    Here are certain important factors to keep in mind when picking the "right" college:
    1. Accreditation
    2. The programs it offers – do they appeal to you
    3. Tuition
    4. Student life
    5. Geographical location
    6. Entrance requirements
    These are some of the main factors that should be considered when picking a college. Do not apply to a college before you do some thorough background research on it. Go through reviews and testimonials (I'm currently reading California College San Diego review), visit the colleges you've shortlisted. Picking a college is one of the most important steps you'll take as a young adult, don’t hesitate to seek help, and think everything through before making any decision.

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12. 0

    mts1098posted 12 years ago

    College criteria has changed for me over time - for me it was the curriculum and later on it was SAT scores vs high school education...

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