| Harvard, Yale, and Princeton are only a few of the | | | | You do need to stay sane until you graduate! |
| biggest names in American universities. Being | | | | 3. Be practical. What if your parents can't afford the |
| accepted to one of these schools would make your | | | | tuition costs of Ivy League? There sure are less |
| parents really proud because it shows that you've | | | | expensive schools that offer quality education as well |
| got what it takes to be part of the next league of | | | | as financial aid opportunities that can help not only |
| great individuals. | | | | you but also your family. |
| But your school's name doesn't always say | | | | 4. Search for key specializations. Rather than |
| everything. In fact, there are other less popular | | | | competing with other students in a branded |
| colleges that offer quality, or even better, education | | | | university, why not focus on working on your own |
| than that of an Ivy League school. So if you're in | | | | expertise? In the long run, you'd find it more fulfilling |
| search of a college that can truly address your needs | | | | to be recognized on your own merit and not because |
| and bring out the best in you, then here are some | | | | you came from a highly-reputable school. |
| guidelines that can help: | | | | 5. Look out for other opportunities that the school |
| 1. Consider what the school has to offer. About six | | | | can provide. Dreaming of studying abroad? That |
| years ago, James Sanchez declined his ticket to | | | | low-profile college may just make that dream come |
| Harvard and went instead to Davidson College in | | | | true. Also, other colleges and universities work with |
| North Carolina. Why? Because Davidson College | | | | companies and business firms that can give you |
| promised him actual laboratory work with doctors | | | | favorable work opportunities once you graduate. |
| and professors, something Harvard wasn't able to | | | | While these tips help you out in searching for the |
| guarantee. He is now in medical school with zero | | | | college that matches your needs and preferences, |
| regrets. | | | | you might as well scout for scholarships and financial |
| 2. Safeguard your sanity. Check out the campus | | | | assistance that can support your education needs. |
| grounds: the environment, the people, and of course, | | | | These financial aid programs can help you provide for |
| the food. College life is full of pressure, and you can't | | | | your necessities, even if you end up going to an Ivy |
| beat that by living in a noisy neighborhood of dorms. | | | | League university. |