College Attributes — What to Look for when Searching for the “Right” School
We think the BEST chance for college success is to pick the “right school” unique to you! Ideally, where you will be happy! In summary, think of this, “big, small, country, city” — which school is your “best fit”? Outlined below are some college “attributes” to consider with our “insights” added:
- Location – Does the location of this school satisfy your needs? Geographic location matters, but remember to think about suburb vs. city vs. rural — as well as what you would like to be around and near.
- Size – Does the size of the school satisfy your needs? What a small school is compared to a large school can vary greatly from student to student; however, here are some rule of thumb estimates:
– Small – Less than 3,000 students
– Medium – Between 3K and 10K students
– Medium Large – 10K and 20K students
– Large – Greater than 20K students
- Weather – Is this school located in a climate that is satisfactory to your needs?
- Campus – Is the school located in an area or neighborhood that meets your needs? Do you enjoy the look and feel of the campus and its surroundings?
- Housing – Is the school’s housing (and housing policy) satisfactory to your Needs? For all 4 years?
- Food – Is the on-campus food at this school satisfactory to your needs?
- Safety – Does the school’s campus have adequate security and a good safety reputation?
- Diversity – Does the mix of students at the school fit your needs?
- Alcohol / Drug Policy – Does the school’s alcohol/drug policy fit your requirements?
- Greek Life – Does the role that fraternities and sororities play at this school meet your needs?
- Athletics – Does the school have an athletic program that meets your needs? Remember this could be as an athlete or as a spectator.
- Religion – Does the school have a religious program that meets your needs? If not, what is proximity to an effective alternative that meets your religious needs?
- Student Body Reputation – Does the reputation of the school’s student body fit your personality?
- Attrition – Does the school have a high level of freshman graduating in five years?
- Student / Faculty Ratio – Does the school have a low student to faculty ration to guarantee a more interactive classroom participation and personal faculty attention for students?
- Faculty with PhDs – Does the school have a high number of faculty with PhDs?
- Majors – Does the school offer programs within the field you are interested? If undecided on major, does the school offer a liberal arts curriculum that will allow you to explore options before deciding on a major?
- Talent Programs – Does the school have a talent program that meets your needs? Talent programs include things like theater, newspaper, debate team, etc.
- Special Programs – Does the school have special programs or facilities that you need or must have? This includes things like learning disabilities, special medical facilities, location in relation to specialty hospitals, etc.
- Co-op Programs – Does the school have an academic co-op (study/work) program in the student’s major that can reduce your college costs and help the student achieve employment following graduation?
- Job Placement – Does the school have a Placement Office that places a high number of students in jobs prior to graduation?
