Parameters for Choosing Colleges

Since there are hundreds of options for applying to college, you will need to decide on some set priorities that you want to get out of your college experience.

1. Public or private college?  Public is state sponsored, so it is significantly cheaper than private college.  Public colleges usually only want to admit students from within the state, so look into public colleges within your state if you want in state tuition prices. 
    
2. Do you want to attend college in state or out of state?  If you attend an in state college, you can apply for in state financial aid, which can mean free grant money.
    
3. Do you want to dorm and live away from your parents?  If so, do you want to live in a big city like NYC, or a small community like Stony Brook, Long Island?  Are you ready to live away from your family?
    
4. Does the school that you considering have the degree that you want?  Is it reputable for that degree?  There is no point in attending a brand name school and finding out that the degree program for your major is below par.
    
5. Are your friends also applying to that school?
    
6. Can your family really afford to send you there?
    
7. Do you want to go to a small school or a large school?  They both have their pros and cons, so look into it.
    
8. How are admissions standards?  Is the school very competitive?  If so, make sure you have a backup.
    
9. Does the school give out lots of aid?
    
10. Are there lots of programs available in case you change your mind about your major?
     
11. What is the reputation of the school?  Many people believe that the name of school can lead to better work opportunity.
     
12. What is the workload?  A college should be challenging, but not impossible.
     
13. How ethnically diverse is the student body?
     
14. How many professors have PhDs? 
     
15. There are also women's only colleges, traditionally African-American colleges, military academies, and religious colleges to consider.

Online Degrees For Undergraduates:

Tips

• Don't get so caught up in the name of a school.  The more competitive schools are extremely expensive, and many people can't afford to attend even if they are admitted. 
• Many students transfer out, so you can change your mind along the way.
• Look into living at home if you can, room and board can really rack up in price.
• Consider going to a community college for an associates degree, which easily transfers into a bachelors program.  This can save you thousands of dollars, and can also help you step to your next goals.
• Discuss this with your family, this is a very important decision.  Get their feedback.