Choosing the Senior Institution That's Right for You
You've done your research and you've narrowed down your transfer choices to just a few schools. But how do you select which one will be the best fit? Use the following questions to help you decide where you want to send your deposit - and don't forget most are due around May 1st!
Major
Now that you have decided on a major, use this to help you select a
school. Does the school offer the major you are interested in? Then
start to ask more in-depth questions: What are your chances of being
admitted to this major? What is the reputation of the major at this
particular school? Will you get real life experience? For example, if you
are a pre-med major, will you get to work on a human cadaver? And
finally, where do the graduates of this major end up?
Extra-curricular Activities
Are you looking for a Greek system, a band, choir, or athletics? Check
to see if your selected activity is offered, and contact the coach or
director if you are interested in participating. This is important for you
to be considered for scholarships.
Location
Do you want to live in a big city or a small town? What you select may
determine how you spend a Saturday night. A big city may provide
a lot of entertainment, but may also make it difficult to get to know
people. Do you want a big school or small school? A big school may
offer more services, but it may be difficult to speak with a teacher if
your class has 500 students.
Type of Institution
Do you want to attend a public, private, technical, religious or online
institution? A public school may cost less, but a private school may
offer more scholarships. A technical
school will offer programs that aren't
offered at other schools. Find out
what types of institutions you are
looking into and be certain to
research the implications.
Campus Visits
If possible, schedule a visit to your top schools. Sometimes students
select a school based on fancy brochures, and then actually hate it
when they get there. Check out the dorms if you will live on campus,
eat in the cafeteria and meet with some of your potential professors.
If you are a commuter student, ask about special resources such as
childcare, mentoring, tutoring, and orientation. Are there activities
to help transfer students get involved on campus? Do you feel
overwhelmed with the college's offerings - or underwhelmed? Listen
to your instincts.
Financial Aid
Have you thought about how you will pay for school? If you are under
24, you are considered a dependent unless you are married, have a
child or are a ward of the court. Have you spoken with your parents
about a financial plan? If you are independent, your aid will take into
consideration only your finances. When you receive your financial aid
awards, be sure to compare not only the "bottom line" but also the
make-up of the aid as well. One school may be less expensive for
tuition, but you may end up paying more if they cover a greater
percentage of aid as student loans. If you have received any outside
scholarships, be certain to ask the school if this will be in addition to
institutional aid or if they will be reducing the amount of aid they've
offered.
