Friday, April 8, 2011

how to choose a college

As many of you are experiencing right now, choosing a college is a HUGE decision!  There are lots of ways to compare all of the schools you have been accepted to, and the pro/con list can go on forever.  Here are some great ways to look at colleges and truly see what environment you will excel in.

What is unique about the program you want to study? And what do you need to do well?-- Your admission choices may or may not have the number _________ program, but there is probably something that makes it unique.  IT can include the research opportunities, class offerings, resources, or even guest speakers.  The number one ranked program in the country may not be the place for you, and that is alright.  If you know you will thrive in smaller classes, look at the average class size for the university/college or the specific program and make sure your needs align with what is offered.

What do you see yourself getting involved in outside of the classroom?-- Many universities are known for their specific social cultures whether that mean Greek life, community service, politics, music, or anything else.  Make sure the university you choose offers a wide range of activities if you are unsure of what you want to be involved in, or has a strong reputation of the specifics you desire.  This will ensure you have a great experience in and out of the classroom.


Make sure you are not going somewhere to follow your friends.-- College is a huge step, and it can be scary at times to think about losing what you know.  However, no one can make this decision for you.  If you end up choosing a school where your best friend is going, GREAT! But that shouldn't be your deciding factor.  You need to decide for you, not your friends.

Follow your gut.-- Unless you can predict the future, you have no idea what will exactly happen during your four years, but you probably have a gut feeling.  It's as simple as that.

VISIT IN APRIL!!!-- Many universities, GW included, hold special days for admitted students who are in the last stages of the college admissions process.  These special visits will give you a better idea of what campus is like and the opportunities you may have by attending.
**If you would like to sign up for a GW April Visit Day please visit the Activity Center.

Good luck with your decisions, and I hope to see a lot of you on campus in the coming days!

Until next time!
Kim

2 comments:

  1. If I enroll in liberal arts but change my mind as a sophomore and want to major in business, is this transfer possible? are there minimum requirements?

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  2. Yes, there will be requirements you'll have to fill, so it's a good idea to get your general requirements that will be necessary in all the schools done freshman year. University Writing or microeconomics, for example, would be applicable to either a business or many liberal arts coursework. But I know many people who decided mid-Freshman year or even Sophomore year that they wanted to switch majors among the schools. Totally possible and shouldn't set you back!

    Good luck!
    Shireen

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