Students Loan Consolidation Guide To Finding The Perfect College For You

To the average American, receiving that acceptance letter in the mail from the college of his or her dreams represents a significant and memorable watershed. Incontestably, one of the most stressful tasks- selecting from a maze of more than 9,000 post-secondary institutions in the United States- is at that point, behind them. Finding the optimal collegiate match for one's intellectual and interpersonal expectations, as well as one's learning style involves a generous amount of time, research and introspection. The pay-off is well-worth the investment, however, for the end result is a well-adjusted college student who fits perfectly in his or her social and academic milieu, performs at peak level, and is able to capitalize on his or her university education. In short, choosing the right school enables students to achieve their potential.

The college elimination and selection process involves an evaluation of numerous factors. What follows is a discussion of the critical criteria and factors that higher education applicants should take into consideration:

1. A thorough research of colleges

Prospective university students have a wealth of resources at their disposal for investigating colleges. They can schedule an appointment with a guidance counselor for specific information about schools that meet their educational and personal needs. They can visit the local library and bookstore for guides providing detailed information about different universities such as admission requirements, areas of study and tuition costs. Two popular resources include the Fiske Guide to Colleges and The Insider's Guide to College. Applicants may also avail themselves of a number of online college research tools that are free of charge.

2. Self-examination

Prior to initiating their search, applicants should ask themselves the following questions:

· Reasons for wanting to attend college

· Their academic skills and strengths

· Their weak points

· Their long-term objectives (whether tangible or intangible in nature)

· Their general interests

· The program(s) of study they would like to pursue

3. Choice of school type

Applicants should acquaint themselves with the various types of higher education institutions and select the one that offers the field(s) of study that interest(s) them and that fits their academic requirements. College-bound individuals may choose from among the following types of schools:

· University

· Community college

· Liberal arts college

· Technical college or trade school

· Specialized institutions (business school, law school, medical school)

· Graduate school

4. Depth and variety of college courses

In order to best assess their aptitude and skills, college applicants should focus their search on schools offering a wide array of classes.

5. School's location

It is important for prospective students to decide whether they wish to stay close to home, within the state, or out of state. They should also ask themselves whether they prefer to live off campus, on campus or commute.

6. Cost of attendance

Applicants should inquire as to the annual cost of enrolling in the college(s) of their choice. The total cost should include tuition, room and board, and miscellaneous expenses. Students should not be discouraged by a seemingly-astronomical sticker price. This is because the vast majority of private universities offer financial aid- whether in the form of a college student loan, tuition installment plans or scholarships- thus making the cost considerably more affordable.

7. Campus location and setting

Another element that prospective students should consider is the university's location and size. The student body at a college may range from less than 2,000 (for small colleges) to more than 10,000 (for large colleges). Some students feel more at ease in more intimate classroom settings, while others place a premium on an extensive selection of courses and activities as are offered by larger schools. Applicants should also determine whether they prefer an urban, suburban or rural college.

8. School's personality and environment

A college environment that matches an applicant's learning style and personality will help him or her succeed and foster personal growth and satisfaction. Prospective college students should endeavor to learn as much as possible about their favorite schools. They may do so by 1) visiting the campus and 2) conversing with school representatives, current students and/or alumni.

9. Typical academic profile

Another way for applicants to assess potential compatibility is to compare their academic profile to that of new students attending the universities under consideration. They can consult the university's admission website for such information.

10. Special programs

Special programs that further applicants' objectives and needs should also be investigated. Such programs include the following:

· Internships;

· Study abroad programs;

· Co-op programs;

· Intercollegiate sports programs and extracurricular activities; and

· Honors programs

11. Co-ed or single sex dorms

Prospective students should determine whether the college dorm accommodations- co-ed or single-gender- are aligned with their preference.

12. Diversity

Some applicants assign importance to diversity and restrict their search to colleges offering a substantial and/or particular racial and cultural mix.