| If you are planning to attend college this Fall then you | | | | teachers know the students on a first name basis?o |
| know that May 1st is the big day in the college | | | | Talk to alumni regarding life after graduation - did |
| admissions process. Students must decide within the | | | | they feel prepared in their chosen careers? |
| next few days whether to accept or reject an offer | | | | • Socialo Go visit the school in-person if you have |
| of admission and what college they will be attending. | | | | not done so already - some schools will even let you |
| Maybe you got into your first-choice college and | | | | stay overnight or for the weekend with another |
| have no decision to make at all and already have | | | | student. Can you picture yourself there - do you and |
| started packing your bags. But, maybe your college | | | | the school click?o Meet the current students to get a |
| choice is a little tougher than that. You could have | | | | real sense of the school - where are they from and |
| been wait listed, received more than one acceptance | | | | what are their backgrounds?o Look at the |
| letter or didn't get the scholarship you had hoped for | | | | extracurricular activities, sports, Greek life - does this |
| to help pay for the private university tuition. Or | | | | school offer everything you are interested in?o Look |
| maybe, like so many others, you just don't know | | | | at the school's Facebook or twitter pages, read the |
| what school you should choose. | | | | college newspaper online - see what the admissions |
| This decision is a difficult one for many. The next | | | | counselors aren't telling you |
| four years are an investment in your future and how | | | | •Financialo Can you, or your parents, really afford |
| do you know if you are making the right choice. | | | | this school?o Review not only the tuition, but the |
| Should you go where you feel most comfortable? | | | | costs for housing, meal plans and transportation. Will |
| Should you choose the school where your friends are | | | | you need to fly, take the train/bus or drive home on |
| going? Should you choose your parents alma mater? | | | | breaks?o Compare the financial aid packages, |
| Below are some factors you should consider when | | | | scholarships, loans, gifts, grants and any work-study |
| deciding if a school is a good fit for you. Take a look | | | | opportunities |
| at these characteristics in order of importance to you | | | | This week you'll make one of the biggest decisions |
| and see how well each college matches up to each | | | | of your life. If you still have questions, talk to your |
| other: | | | | guidance counselor, a favorite teacher or your |
| • Academico Take a look at the professors at | | | | parents who know you both academically and |
| the school, their research, awards and backgroundso | | | | personally. They might be able to help you evaluate |
| Review the course catalog online to get an idea of | | | | the pros and cons. This decision is a personal one and |
| the types of courses and major programs offered | | | | the final choice should be made yours, but it never |
| and if they match your academic pursuitso Sit in on | | | | hurts to ask for advice from people who know you |
| classes - how big or small are they and do they | | | | well and care about your future. |