Colleges of Virginia - Ten must considerations for selecting a college

Finding the right college for you can make the difference between enjoying a great experience or not. Remember, this can be a very stressful process. This is true for everyone, the student, parents, family and friends. Schools are not the same, and to state the obvious- different people react differently as a result. Just because your Uncle Max went to a school doesn't mean it is the school for you. However, understanding some of the reasons why this may or may not be true is an important part of the process.

Ask yourself what are the important things - Is a competitive marching band a must? Does the school have to have a football team? Is a rural or urban Location a deciding factor? Do they offer scholarships, financial aid, or a job assistance program? How about your courses of interest? There are many options, ideas and view points to be considered when selecting a college. This can be especially true if you are attending college for the first time.

1.	Create a list of potential Schools - Include a dream school and a safety school. Also for reference sake include both large and small schools. Apply to as many schools as you can that hold an interest for you. Remember, you really do not have a choice to make until you have been accepted by the college or university.
2.	Talk to as many people you can about the colleges and universities you are considering. Include your parents and immediate family in the process. Include your teachers and Guidance Councilor in the process.
3.	Make a list of the important factors to be considered. (A white board can be great for this.) Spell out the pros and cons for each school. This can be a very helpful evaluation tool.
4.	Visit the Campuses prior to making a decision. The old saying is "A picture is worth a thousand words, but nothing is better than being there." There is the comfort factor that needs to be considered. Nothing is worse than getting there and finding that it was too small , too big, or that you simply disliked the location.
5.	Based on the school, try and project what your living expenses would be each month. Can you live on campus? What about personal items, and spending money. Where are these things going to come from. If you need to get a job does employment seem readily available. Does the cost you computed match the reality of your situation.
6.	Do as much research as possible. Read as many things as you can by recent or current students, but be careful about putting to much faith into a single comment or online posting.
7.	Consider the hazards of attending college in general. What will your personal standards and practices on Birth control and protection against STDs be. (Remember birth control pills do not protect against STD's.) There will be the possibility of coming in contact with drugs and drinking. Many Schools are now exercising a Zero-Tolerance policy on these.
8.	Look at the graduation statistics of the school. If a majority of the students graduate in 6 years instead of 4 - ask why. Note for teaching many colleges and universities now have a 5 year program. How will this impact your finances. Another statistic you may want to consider is how many freshmen return for a second year.
9.	Once you have been accepted, visit the school again. Keep an open mind, and try to envision yourself living there.
10.	Be Patient, it is a stressful process.