10 Things to Find Out Before Committing to a College

Choosing a college is a big decision. It’s easy to get caught up in certain aspects of a school and lose sight of the big picture. Before you contact the schools to let them know which one you’ve accepted, go through these questions to make sure you haven’t missed any key factors. You may find a college you’ve overlooked will turn out to be the best one for you.

Whether you’re choosing a community college, career college, distance learning program at an online school or a 4-year university, here are 10 things you’ll want to find out before making that final decision:

1. Do you like the college campus environment?

Visiting the school campus is an important step in any college search. Tour the campus while classes are in session, visit student housing facilities and eat at the college cafeteria to see if you feel comfortable and would be happy at the colleges and universities on your short list.

2. What does it cost?

Take into consideration all college costs, from tuition and room and board to books, travel expenses and any lab or computer costs. Make sure you understand the type of financial aid you’ve been awarded and how and when you’ll be expected to repay it.

3. Are you able to receive more financial aid?

If your top school hasn’t awarded you all the financial aid you need, you might want to consider asking for additional aid. As colleges compete for top candidates, this practice is becoming more common and acceptable.

4. Which of your credits will transfer toward college credit?

If you're enrolling straight from high school, check to see which AP, IB or CLEP courses will transfer for college credit. Similarly, college transfer students should find out which of their courses will transfer to their new college. College transfer students should keep in mind that if their courses don’t transfer, it could delay their graduation date, which could in turn delay starting careers or getting graduate degrees, like an MBA.

5. Are there any entrance exams?

Many colleges and universities require entrance exams for specific majors or programs. Does your college or degree require placement exams in math, writing and/or English? If so, determine how these tests are scored and what you can do to prepare for them.

6. What are the graduation requirements?

Different schools require different numbers of class credits for graduation. Some schools may focus on required courses in your major, while others expect you to have a more well-rounded education and will require a great deal of electives outside your major. Find out how many courses are required within, and outside of, your major, and ask how flexible those requirements are.

7. How difficult is it to get into classes in your major?

Some college degree programs are more popular than others. Also, some college courses are not offered every semester or may be offered but are difficult to get into, if class size is limited or if the course is required. Find out how common it is for students to be shut out of desired courses or to land on wait lists.

8. What percentage of students graduate from the school?

Most schools have a graduation rate of 60 to 80 percent. If the university you are interested in has a graduation percentage below this, then this may signal a problem. You should also find out how long it takes, on average, for students to earn their degree.

9. What is the student-to-faculty ratio?

How many students are in each class? What is the class structure of courses in your degree program? Understanding the class structure of your future courses can help you choose an environment that maximizes your learning preferences. If you work best with personalized attention and direct access to professors, look for small class sizes.

10. Are distance learning courses available?

If you want the flexibility of taking some courses online, or even getting an online degree, then it is important to understand which courses, if any, are available via the Internet. Online programs, and online degrees, are becoming more common as schools try to find ways to save money and better accommodate students’ busy schedules.

Obviously, there is a lot to think about when trying to find college options that fit your needs. Remember, choosing a university is a big commitment, so be sure to have all the information necessary to make an informed decision.

People Who Read This Article Also Read:

10 Things to Do on Your Campus Visit
20 Top Questions to Ask a College
Why Campus Visits are Essential for Students
After Acceptance: How to Finally Decide on One School
Choosing a College: Should I Stay Close to Home?

See All Finding the Right College Articles