{"id":12224,"date":"2021-05-28T08:14:44","date_gmt":"2021-05-28T08:14:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/grockit.com\/act\/?p=232"},"modified":"2021-06-15T16:17:50","modified_gmt":"2021-06-15T16:17:50","slug":"picking-the-right-college","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/sat\/picking-the-right-college\/","title":{"rendered":"Picking the Right College"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Where you go to college is as much up to you, the applicant, as it is up to the college. Although college acceptances are ultimately up to the colleges themselves, you have done the preliminary work of selecting colleges that fit with <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">your<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> wants and needs. Colleges work to be appealing to you, the prospective student, just as you work to be appealing to them. Think of the university research and admissions process as a two-way interview; both you and the college are trying to determine whether the other is a good fit for you.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div  style='height:5px' class='hr hr-invisible   avia-builder-el-0  el_before_av_heading  avia-builder-el-first '><span class='hr-inner ' ><span class='hr-inner-style'><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h2    avia-builder-el-1  el_after_av_hr  el_before_av_heading  '><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >What College is Right for Me?<\/h2><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Start your search by deciding what\u2019s important to you in a college. Once you have this list, you\u2019ll be able to accurately assess whether or not specific colleges would be a good fit for you. Don\u2019t be tempted to start by making a list of universities and try to alter your list of priorities to match the school, no matter how prestigious it is or how many of your friends are applying. Maintain the mindset of auditioning the college; if it meets your requirements, you can proceed. If not, it hasn\u2019t made the cut.<\/span><\/p>\n<div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h2    avia-builder-el-2  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_iconlist  '><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Things to Consider When Choosing a College<\/h2><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div  class='avia-icon-list-container   avia-builder-el-3  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_heading '><ul class='avia-icon-list avia-icon-list-left av-iconlist-big avia_animate_when_almost_visible avia-iconlist-animate'>\n<li><div  class='iconlist_icon  avia-font-entypo-fontello'><span class='iconlist-char ' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue836' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/span><\/div><article class=\"article-icon-entry \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='iconlist_content_wrap'><header class=\"entry-content-header\"><h4 class='av_iconlist_title iconlist_title   '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Academics<\/h4><\/header><div class='iconlist_content  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p>Often the first thing on people\u2019s minds when they consider a college is the academic style and rigor of the school. Someone interested in rigorous academics will apply to very different schools than someone interested in more relaxed academics and more social opportunities. Also factor in the teaching style of the school; if you do well in large lectures, you\u2019ll apply to different schools than someone who values low student-to-faculty ratios and small class sizes. And, last but not least, consider whether the schools to which you\u2019re applying have academic programs that interest you.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class=\"entry-footer\"><\/footer><\/article><div class='iconlist-timeline'><\/div><\/li>\n<li><div  class='iconlist_icon  avia-font-entypo-fontello'><span class='iconlist-char ' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue842' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/span><\/div><article class=\"article-icon-entry \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='iconlist_content_wrap'><header class=\"entry-content-header\"><h4 class='av_iconlist_title iconlist_title   '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Location<\/h4><\/header><div class='iconlist_content  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consider distance from home, weather, the feel of the college town, proximity to big cities and job opportunities when deciding between colleges. None of these things should be the sole determinant of your college selections, but they can play a role in narrowing down your list of schools.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class=\"entry-footer\"><\/footer><\/article><div class='iconlist-timeline'><\/div><\/li>\n<li><div  class='iconlist_icon  avia-font-entypo-fontello'><span class='iconlist-char ' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue8ba' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/span><\/div><article class=\"article-icon-entry \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='iconlist_content_wrap'><header class=\"entry-content-header\"><h4 class='av_iconlist_title iconlist_title   '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Cost<\/h4><\/header><div class='iconlist_content  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p>While there are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/study\/college-prep\/college-admissions-the-complete-guide-to-fafsa-and-financial-aid\/\">plenty of resources<\/a> available to help you pay for college, be they scholarships, grants, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/study\/pre-college\/need-based-financial-aid\/\">loans<\/a>, cost is still a factor for many people when deciding between universities. If you anticipate the need to work during college, as many students do, consider the campus employment opportunities during your college search. You can almost always find custodial, food service, and maintenance jobs, but look into undergraduate TA, university broadcasting, campus tour and marketing, and research assistant positions, as well.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class=\"entry-footer\"><\/footer><\/article><div class='iconlist-timeline'><\/div><\/li>\n<li><div  class='iconlist_icon  avia-font-entypo-fontello'><span class='iconlist-char ' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue821' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/span><\/div><article class=\"article-icon-entry \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='iconlist_content_wrap'><header class=\"entry-content-header\"><h4 class='av_iconlist_title iconlist_title   '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >College Life<\/h4><\/header><div class='iconlist_content  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The social aspect of university life is extremely important, as it will play a huge role in your overall happiness as a college student. Consider whether or not a school has an active Greek Life, school-sponsored extracurriculars such as intramurals, and clubs.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class=\"entry-footer\"><\/footer><\/article><div class='iconlist-timeline'><\/div><\/li>\n<li><div  class='iconlist_icon  avia-font-entypo-fontello'><span class='iconlist-char ' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue80b' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/span><\/div><article class=\"article-icon-entry \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='iconlist_content_wrap'><header class=\"entry-content-header\"><h4 class='av_iconlist_title iconlist_title   '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Diversity, religious affiliation, sports, etc.<\/h4><\/header><div class='iconlist_content  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p>There are so many more things to consider when weighing college options, including religious affiliation, diversity on campus, sports, and others. The bottom line is, decide what brings you joy and fulfillment in your life and factor that into the college search process.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class=\"entry-footer\"><\/footer><\/article><div class='iconlist-timeline'><\/div><\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h2    avia-builder-el-4  el_after_av_iconlist  el_before_av_heading  '><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >How to Choose the Right College<\/h2><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h3    avia-builder-el-5  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_heading  av-thin-font '><h3 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  ><strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do Your College Research<\/span><\/strong><\/h3><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you\u2019ve worked through the list above and made decisions about what\u2019s important to you in a college, begin your preliminary research. Look up college lists, books, and college websites to find out admissions requirements, major and course offerings, tuition, housing options, class size, ranking, student demographics, study abroad opportunities, and where students end up post-graduation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h3    avia-builder-el-6  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_heading  av-thin-font '><h3 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  ><strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take the ACT or SAT <\/span><\/strong><\/h3><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your test scores will help determine whether a school is a good fit for you. Schools that require a higher <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/study\/sat\/sat-scores-needed-for-top-colleges\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SAT<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/study\/act\/act-scores-needed-for-top-colleges\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ACT score<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will be more academically rigorous than those who require a low score. Once you\u2019re confident you\u2019ve done your best on the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/study\/sat\/how-to-interpret-your-sat-scores\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SAT<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and\/or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/study\/act\/how-to-interpret-your-act-scores\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ACT<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, use your score information to determine what schools will be a good academic match for you.<\/span><\/p>\n<div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h3    avia-builder-el-7  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_heading  '><h3 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Attend College Fairs and Visit Colleges<\/h3><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Find a local college fair or schedule an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/study\/pre-college\/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-college-visits\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">on-campus tour<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to learn more about specific colleges. Keep an open mind as you talk to representatives from universities, and don\u2019t immediately write any school off because it wasn\u2019t on your original list. Ask questions about the things important to you in a college to get an idea of whether each school would be a good fit for you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h3    avia-builder-el-8  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_heading  av-thin-font '><h3 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  ><strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Talk to Guidance Counselors, Teachers, Parents, and Other People You Trust<\/span><\/strong><\/h3><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Talking through your college choices with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/study\/pre-college\/how-to-best-utilize-your-guidance-counselor\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">people you trust<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can help you decide what\u2019s important to you and narrow down your options. They know you, and many of them have had their own college experiences, so they\u2019ll be able to offer you good advice.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h3    avia-builder-el-9  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_video  '><h3 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  ><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Listen to Your Gut<\/span><\/h3><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the end, make a decision based on what feels right. Go to college somewhere you\u2019re excited about, and be confident in your decision. You\u2019ve done the research; trust yourself to make the right call.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><div  class='avia-video avia-video-16-9   av-lazyload-immediate  av-lazyload-video-embed  '   itemprop=\"video\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/VideoObject\"  data-original_url='https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=sPrSKZdbn4c&amp;feature=youtu.be' ><script type='text\/html' class='av-video-tmpl'><div class='avia-iframe-wrap'><iframe title=\"College Tips: How to Choose the Right College | Kaplan SAT &amp; ACT Prep\" width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/sPrSKZdbn4c?feature=oembed&autoplay=0&loop=0&controls=1&mute=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/script><div class='av-click-to-play-overlay'><div class=\"avia_playpause_icon\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Where you go to college is as much up to you, the applicant, as it is up to the college. Although college acceptances are ultimately up to the colleges themselves, you have done the preliminary work of selecting colleges that fit with your wants and needs. Colleges work to be appealing to you, the prospective [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":27379,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[58,214,4],"tags":[127,215,216,217,218,219],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12224"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12224"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12224\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":47924,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12224\/revisions\/47924"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/27379"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12224"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12224"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12224"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}