Hey everyone! I'm starting to research colleges to create a list of schools I'm interested in. Besides the basics, like GPA and SAT requirements, what are some additional questions I should be looking into for each school? I want to make an informed decision. Thanks!
Hi there! It's great that you want to be thorough in your college research. Here are some additional questions to consider when evaluating colleges:
1. Size: Do I prefer a small, medium, or large student body? How does the size of the school impact class sizes and student-faculty relationships?
2. Location: Is the college in an urban, suburban, or rural setting? How close or far is it from home? How important is being near a specific geographic region to me?
3. Campus culture: What is the social atmosphere like on campus? Are there lots of clubs, activities, and events to participate in? How important are sports and Greek life on the campus?
4. Academic programs: Does the college offer strong programs in my intended major or field of interest? Are there opportunities for undergraduate research or collaboration with professors?
5. Internship and career resources: What resources does the college offer for internships, networking, and job placement? Are there strong alumni connections/career services?
6. Study abroad programs: Are there opportunities to study abroad? How do those programs align with my interests and future goals?
7. Housing options: What types of housing are available on and off-campus? How do the housing options change throughout a student's time at the school?
8. Support services: Are there academic and personal support resources available, like tutoring, counseling, and disability services?
9. Financial aid and scholarships: What financial aid opportunities are available? Is the school need-blind or meet 100% of demonstrated need? Are there merit-based scholarships specific to the college?
10. Graduation and retention rates: What percentage of students graduate in four years? What is the freshman retention rate?
11. Post-graduation outcomes: What are the job placement rates and average starting salaries for graduates? What percentage of students pursue graduate or professional degrees?
Remember that personal fit is critical, so consider visiting campuses or attending virtual information sessions to get a sense of each school's unique atmosphere. Good luck in your college search!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.