Category: College/University >> Application Process
Created: Feb 07, 2008 at 11:11 pm
Updated: Apr 27, 2008 at 12:55 am
Read by: 63 users
Finding the right college or university is a difficult process. I have developed a few strategies that helped me when I was researching for schools. This doesn't mean that this is the best technique and that it will work for everyone. One thing you can be sure about is that there is no absolute forumla .
Decide what your important factors in a college: (besides ranking) like location, program, student body, size of the school etc
Rank your deciding factors.
Make a list of 8-10 schools you would prefer to go based on your preferences. Then research about each of the schools- Try to find as much information through their website, asking questions in the goSwoop Q&A, google, talking to people (lots of people on goSwoop buddy list), directly contacting the school through email or phone etc
Look at their photos, read their missions, vision and values. Try to find articles about their school to read. Try to imagine or picture yourself going there, and ask yourself if you can live there for your undergraduate years?
Research about the location they are in as well such as transportation, things to do, restaurants, safety etc These are extremely important factors that are sometimes overlooked. Remember you need to be also happy when you go study. It will be alot easier to do well when you are studying at a place where you are comfortable. Remember, college isn't just about studying, its also about getting to know your surroundings and the people that are around you.
Then rank the schools again in order in which the first choice school should be the school that if you got accepted you would go their.
Then look at the average student profile they have or ask the school for that. Compare the scores to your student profile. Then you can figure out which school is your safety (most surely you will get in, your student profile is above their average meaning you have better scores than the average), medium (your scores are similar to their average)- likely to get in, and reach (tough to get in). Remember just by looking at the schools average student profile doesn't mean you will get in there for sure, you have to write the essays, get the recommendations, show your personality etc.
Try to have 2 safety, 3 medium, and 2 reach schools. The reason why I'm recommending this is because I know college applications are expensive.
If you need to reshuffle, find some schools that fit into this.
Now start the college application process. good luck, let me know if you need help!
