Choosing a College: Five Good Questions to Ask Yourself Before Making the Move

While choosing a college, there are some key issues that one must consider when looking at various institutions. It is not always wise to choose a college because your parents attended it or because the place has wicked parties. Although these are matters to take into account, you should make a check list of what you are looking for in a college and the city that it is in. Here are a few questions to have in hand when shopping for your future institution.

#1 Do you really want to live here?

Whether the college is located in your hometown, state or it is many miles away; you must consider and find out if the area will work for you. First, go to the college's website and see if they have a listing of local attractions in the area or a link to what the students typically do when they are not on campus. Also , have an idea of what activities you will be doing to see if the city offers them. For example, if you intend on doing a lot of biking, check to see if the city has biking trail ways. This is important if you intend on making this your main source of transportation.

Also, check out what the weather is like in that city. If you are a person who does not like to be in humid weather then it is not a great idea to go to college in Georgia. Just as it is not a great idea to attend college in New Jersey if you do not like cold weather. You can check out the averages at weather.com or by looking at the city's local news station website. You can typically find these sites by typing in the city and state along with the phrase news station. I find great success with Google.

#2 Will I really get a work study job in my major?

Many times when you are awarded work-study at larger universities it is very difficult to get a position in your major. Obtaining a position in your major provides you with great contacts, helps you develop good relationships with professors and helps you decide if you really want to study and obtain a career in the major. In larger universities you are sometimes place on a waiting list and this could mean not getting an interview for a position until the end of the semester. This means that you will not get the awarded work study funds. A wise move to make would be to talk to your future financial aid advisor to get find out about how their work study process works. After doing this call or email the area in which you are interested in working in to see if they offer work study and how many positions they will have vacant for the up coming semester. Although this may seem like you are jumping the gun, but if you do not find out about what your odds are in getting a work study job you may end up having to find a part-time job off campus. Which could cost you in transportation fees and time away from studying. Remember just because you are awarded work study does not mean you will just receive the funds. You are paid for hours worked on campus and that is how you get the funds.

#3 Does the College Offer Your Major of Choice and will this lead to a career after graduating?

There are probably many students who do not even consider what they want to study when choosing a college. This lack of preparation can lead to you and your parents spending unnecessary money at an institution that may not even have your major of choice. Also, if you want to be in the Allied Health Care field it is wise to find out if your college has these programs, how long the wait list is and if they do not have the program which colleges in the area have a bridge program with them for these majors. Although it is highly unrealistic to think that a student will not change their mind about a particular major, one can be sure that most students stay within the same area of studies, even when they change their major. For example if a some students who begin as English majors may switch to majoring in Education or Mass Communications.

#4 Is there a scene on campus or around town?

This is important on many levels for students. The best thing for a new student to do is get involved with activities on campus and meet new people. Also, if the student is primarily academically driven it may not be a great idea to be at a college that has tons of parties. This decision is completely based on your own ability to juggle a social life and studies. One great thing about partying during your college years is that you will be exposed to many different types of personalities, ideals , habits and situation which is helpful when you get out in the real world of employment. So next time your parents rag on you about wanting to go to a party school , let them know that in fact you will be working on much needed job skills such as communication and adapting to change.

#5 Are there job placement or career development departments?

Although obtaining a career for most students will be four to eight years down the road, this department or office is vital in making your degree work. Some students will know from the beginning what job they will have upon graduation such as a student majoring in Nursing while others may not know what fields they can seek out when hunting for a job. Majors such as Women's Studies, Philosophy, History and others may seem like the student 's only job option would be to teach. Although, teaching is a great rewarding profession, there are many jobs that these majors can apply for and that is what this department can provide you. These departments also will help you develop a winning resume and cover letter geared towards the position that you are seeking. You can also find many books that will give you ideas on what career choices you have and how to advance your degree is you so choose. Locally, these departments may host career fairs on campus which will bring in not only local business and industry but also nationwide work. If you are not sure about going from college to having a career these departments can also suggest programs that allow you to give back to underserved communities and help pay for portions of your future or past education. Basically, what ever your needs are concerning you future these departments are the key to making a smooth transition and getting quality help. For example, "Did you knew that the resume and cover letter you would send for a Sales job in Pharmaceuticals will be different from the one you will send in for a Human Resources position?"

These are but a few questions to take into consideration when evaluating your college choices; and now that you have the answers, take a break from making a choice and come back to the list in three days. By taking some time away from decision making you are allowing yourself to think about your options. Remember, although you must pass their admission requirements, your future college must pass your's. It will be a poor financial and academic move to attend a college that you are not happy with and on e that will offer you what you are looking for.