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7 Common Mistakes with Selecting Colleges and How to Avoid Them
When embarking on the task of selecting colleges, you want to ensure you choose the best fit for you. While it can seem like one of the more complex tasks of choosing a college, if approached as such, it becomes simple.
We all make mistakes, especially when we try to rush through one of the most significant decisions in our lives. Avoiding these common mistakes when selecting colleges can help you make a decision you can be proud of.
Here are mistakes with selecting colleges and how to avoid them.
1. Not Taking Enough Time
Students may make decisions based on what looks good on paper or what is expected of them without considering their own needs and long-term goals. To avoid these common mistakes with selecting colleges, students should take the necessary time to explore all of their options in order to find the college application process that is the best fit for them.
They should do research and create an ideal list of colleges that meet their academic, professional, and personal preferences. Additionally, they should visit the schools and take part in various events to get a better understanding of the college they are considering.
2. Choosing a College for Its Reputation
Many people will apply to the most renowned college in the area, or the college that their favorite celebrity attended, believing it can guarantee a high-level education. Students should evaluate the college and its degree program to see if it will meet their needs in terms of job opportunities, proficiency in the degree area, and overall satisfaction.
Additionally, before applying, it is important to consider the college’s student body and living situation. These are key factors to look at to make sure the chosen college will truly be a great fit for the student.
3. Not Visiting the Campus
Prospective students can often find vast amounts of information online, but nothing can compare to an in-person visit. Seeing a school in person will give applicants the opportunity to get a feel for the campus, consider the academic rigor of the school, and understand what extracurricular activities are offered.
If a student has the opportunity, they should even consider staying overnight in a dorm room to be sure the campus is the right destination for them. Doing so will give applicants peace of mind in knowing they have found the best college to suit their academic and extracurricular needs.
4. Overemphasizing Your Current Major
It is important to understand that college is much more than just an opportunity to study in a particular field. College is a time of exploration and growth; it is a chance to challenge yourself and develop outside of what your major has to offer.
Trying to find the “perfect college” in terms of major can deprive you of the immense benefits of new experiences and paths of opportunity that may arise in other departments that you did not originally consider.
A better approach is to assess the overall strengths of each college, such as professors, research opportunities, curriculum, facilities, etc., that have the potential to greatly expand and/or influence your future experiences.
This not only increases the likelihood of personal and professional growth but also makes the entire college experience more worthwhile. View this MBA program as part of your options for colleges.
5. Not Applying Because of Cost
Many students believe the cost of tuition and fees quoted in brochures and on the college’s website is out of reach and refrain from applying. This decision is unfortunate because of the many scholarships, grants, and loans available that could have possibly covered a large portion of the total cost or even the entire cost of attendance.
Furthermore, researching available scholarships and grants, as well as payment plans, can make comparing college costs more affordable. Lastly, students should always speak to the college’s financial aid advisor when applicable to get a better understanding of what type of aid they may be entitled to.
6. Thinking You Won’t Qualify for Financial Aid
Even if a school has a high overall cost, a student can still qualify for need-based assistance. Doing research on a school’s financial aid policies will help an applicant understand what they may qualify for. Knowing what criteria the college values and understanding its value system will greatly improve a student’s chances of receiving aid.
Additionally, staying up to date on upcoming scholarship deadlines as well as meeting with a college financial aid adviser, can ensure a smooth and successful application process. Understanding that financial aid is simply the means to make higher education more accessible is key to avoiding the common mistake of believing you won’t qualify for assistance.
7. Missing Deadlines
It is essential that when researching colleges and universities, one takes the necessary steps to stay organized and remain on top of deadlines. Seeking guidance from family and college counselors and taking advantage of resources that can be found online and on campus is the first step to properly managing the college selection process.
Reading college materials thoroughly and staying informed of important deadlines is key, as is having realistic expectations of what is financially and academically attainable. It is also important to closely review all the documents to make sure they are filled out accurately and completely and to double-check the deadlines.
Learn About Mistakes With Selecting Colleges
The mistakes with selecting colleges need to be managed carefully in order to make the most informed decisions. To better equip yourself for such an important journey, make sure you do meaningful research, attend college visits, and speak to current college students.
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