Deciding which college you want to go to isn’t always easy. There are so many amazing options out there, all with their own unique perks and individual vibes. So, if you need help making up your mind, here are six factors to think about before you apply.
1. Academic Programs
Whether you know exactly what you want to study or are still searching for the perfect subject, it’s important to pick a college that offers courses you are interested in. Spend some time looking at the curriculums and find those that jump out at you.
Also, remember to look at the individual modules, not just the program titles – a subject like history might look very different at different colleges depending on what eras they cover!
2. Entry Requirements
All colleges set their own specific entry requirements, and it’s vital that you apply to colleges whose requirements you can meet. That’s not to say you can’t also apply to a dream college that’s a bit above your current level – just make sure that you have a backup option too.
A good tactic is to use a free college chances calculator to get a better idea of where you’re most likely to get accepted.
3. Campus Culture
You will be spending a lot of time on campus, which is why you want to make sure you choose a college where the culture suits your personality. The best way to find this out is to visit the campus in person, but if that’s not viable, try watching videos online and reading blogs written by current students.
Some of the aspects to consider include the size of the campus, how many students the college has, the types of extracurricular activities they have available, and so on.
4. Location
Where a college is located can also have a big impact on your study experience. A few of the questions to ask yourself are:
- Do you want to be close to your family?
- Do you prefer to live in a big city or a smaller suburb?
- What’s public transport like?
- What’s the weather like?
- How expensive is the area?
- Do you want to stay in your home country or study abroad?
5. Academic Rankings
World university rankings can be a helpful tool when deciding between prospective colleges. You can look at each university’s overall score and how it ranks for the specific subject you are interested in studying.
Of course, ranks are not the only factor that matters, but a degree from a top university will look more impressive on your resume when the time to hunt for jobs comes after graduation!
6. Facilities
Ideally, you want to choose a college with high-quality facilities available for its students to use and enjoy. This includes resources such as:
- Well-stocked and atmospheric libraries with plenty of space to study and late opening hours
- Top-quality computing facilities and internet access
- Comfortable and spacious accommodation at affordable prices
- Laboratories for those studying science and other facilities specific to your subject
- Careers services to help you as you approach graduation
- Sports and arts facilities, if relevant to you
- Student cafes, bars, eateries, shops, and similar amenities
