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Picking the right college for YOU:

Choosing colleges can be quite confusing, but with some personal knowledge and reflection, you will be able to make the appropriate selections for yourself. The culture of the college may play a big role in your future success to obtaining your degree. Knowing what is important to you can help you find the right fit. Some of the college characteristics you need to consider are: College type, location, size, culture/environment, housing, academic programs available, competitiveness, student body, faculty, extracurriculars, and cost.

Consider the following factors in your college decision process:

Evaluate Your Needs: Don’t pick a school just because it sounds impressive or your friends are going there. Consider what YOUR needs are.

Think About Your Area of Study: While it is highly likely that your interest will change during your time in college, picking a school that offers a strong base in an area of study you wish to pursue is important factor in the decision process.

Size of the School: A colleges size can play an important role in a college’s culture. The schools size affects resources, student life, and class instruction.

Location, Location, Location: A school’s location may be one of the most important factors in your college search. The lower price of in-state tuition versus out of state tuition is a major consideration when deciding affordability of higher education. It is also important to take into consideration if you would like to attend school in a city or rural setting.

Knowing Where You Can Succeed: You should pick a school that you know you will be able to be academically successful at and achieve your degree in a reasonable time frame.

Activities: Are you interested in playing sports? Want to joining the speech and debate club? Looking forward to attending football games? Choose a college that offers activities you are interested in.

Cost: It is important that you are realistic about what you and your family can afford. The financial component of higher education is often the most influential factor is deciding which direction you will head. In the College & Career Center we can help you explore your financial aid options.

Ideally you should aim to identify between 5 and 10 schools that meet your characteristics and goals. You should have your final list compiled in September of your senior year.

RECOMMENDED AMOUNT AND TYPE OF COLLEGES TO APPLY TO BASED ON GPA

GPA up to 2.0

1 SCHOOL

1 Community College

OR

1 Apprenticeship/Trade/Military Program

GPA 2.0 to 2.5

1-2 SCHOOLS

Safety: 1 Community College

OR

1 Apprenticeship/Trade/ Military Program

GPA 2.5 to 3.5

4-5 SCHOOLS

Safety: 1 Community College

Match: 2 Affordable Four-Year Schools

Reach: 1 Four-Year School

GPA 3.5 and up

5+ SCHOOLS

Safety: 1 Community College

Match: 4 Affordable Four-Year Schools

Reach :1 Four-Year School

SAFETY SCHOOL - A school you know you will get in, without a doubt, it’s a sure thing.

MATCH SCHOOL - A school that you will probably get into, with a small amount of doubt.

REACH SCHOOL - A school that is a stretch for you and your grades/scores/portfolio, and you may not get in, but you would like to go to if accepted.