Each college degree matches with students’ different personal interests and professional goals. And most of these college degree levels are different in length, outcomes and requirements. A college degree can open the door to better job opportunities and even a higher salary. Students are encouraged to start the college search process during their junior year of high school so as to make them more focused. A lot of colleges require letters of recommendation, personal essays, and test scores. Students should plan to take the SAT or ACT at least once starting in 11th grade. And have a course in a subject in mind that and that would be a natural progression of your existing skills and qualifications. High school is mostly about preparing you for college, and the biggest decision of your educational career has to be made soon, right from your high school days and it is okay to feel bothered about how it is going to turn out. Check Out: How To Choose A Career If You’re Not Sure What To Study
How To Choose The Right College For Your Career
1. Choosing a Major
As a student looking forward to obtain a college degree, knowing the right major will help you in the long run of your career. There are various majors for you to choose from and you can always change your major anytime. A student’s major will have a big effect on your college experience. A college major has the potential to shape postgraduate life, too, as students enter the workforce. It is important to carefully consider career advice or seek them from close friends, colleagues or industry professionals. Once you’ve decided the college you like, the next step on how to choose the right College is by choosing a major. There are various types of major such as: Biology, Computer Engineering, Computer Engineering, Geography, Industrial engineering, Animal Science, Bioengineering, , Psychology, Economics, Computer Science, Anthropology, Chemical Engineering, Accountancy, Biochemist, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical engineering, Engineering, Business administration, Business administration, Biomedical engineering, Engineering physics, Agricultural science, Nuclear engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Systems engineering, Manufacturing engineering and others. College durations are usually three (3) to six years (6). It is very important to make few findings concerning the course that would help your career and it is also necessary for you to seek advice from professional in your career path.
2. What Are the Different Types of College Applications?
There are various types of college applications for students, some colleges have their own special application form such as: Common Application, Universal application, Individual college application, Coalition for access and more. i. The Coalition for Access, The Coalition Application is a new application created to begin use in fall 2016 as a centralized “toolkit” platform that allows students to build and organize a portfolio of their work across all four years of high school. ii. The Universal Application, The Universal Application was created in 2007 and is similar to the Common App but only has 9 current participating colleges. Same as the Common App, students only need to fill out this application one time and then the same application can be submitted to all participating colleges on the student’s list. iii. Individual College Applications, Some colleges still offer a separate application that only applies to their institution. Most colleges who offer their own application will also accept the Common Application. iv. The Common Application was established in 1975 as an undergraduate college admissions application which allow students to complete one application and send various copies to any member school of the Common App.
3. Compare the Cost and View Available Financial Aid Options
After making various researches about the college of your choice, you should have a small list by now and you need to compare cost of all financial and non-financial options and get a understanding of the cost involved in different colleagues and pick the one that match your budget. And also consider other expenses such as food, gas, books and other necessary fees. You’ll want to look at the monthly rent costs and the distance from these options to the college to get an idea of which of them you’d probably be going with, in the event that you choose that college. There are a different of types of financial aid out there that would be of a big help to you, and this is why you need to compare colleges to know the best ones for you. As an international student, the cost of living, tuition fees, and other studying fees can be quite expensive. You just need to find out which university gives financial aid to International students which might also include scholarships. You can also make findings on where most international student work after they finish college and during your stay in college, find more opportunity in your career path.
4. Make few research to Check if you’re ready enough
Students at times feel overwhelmed about college and some are not sure if they are ready enough for college, so it is important to feel ready and be determined because that you help you get through the process. One of the best ways to feel ready enough is by paying a visit to the college of your choice, this will help you decide if you will like to apply there or if it is the best college for you. While making research read blogs that discussion about education and scholarships to understand what it’s really like being a student in the college of your choice and get more information from friends that studied from that same university. The college’s location can also have a big impact on your overall college experience, and that is why you need to check if you’re ready to move out of your comfort zone.
5. What materials should be in place in other to apply for college?
After choosing the right college for yourself, the next step is to apply to the college through common application, universal application, individual college application, coalition for access and regardless of this application process, your personality information will be required. Your personal infos are your name, email address, physical address, phone number, high school, credit earned from high school, citizenship information, Standardized test scores, and more. Also, essays are one of the requirements of entering a college, and Extracurriculars, and this is done by explaining what you’ve done outside of class, and how much time you dedicated to it. Summer Activities, this phase will be asking you to Explain summer jobs, internships, or other enrichment opportunities you’ve done. Honors or awards, you’ll need to listen any honors/award you have received during your years in high school. Disciplinary Infractions. Application fee will be asked in other to validate your application and you can request for a waiver if the fee is too expensive.
6. Begin College Planning before college
College planning is all about having a small list of colleges, making research, knowing which forms to fill out and selecting the right classes and majors. It is important that you start your college planning before your senior starts because application deadlines can fly by and you might have to take a break from college for a semester or quarter. Start getting ready for the ACT and consider taking SAT Subject Tests, study more on writing as you’ll need good writing skills for college admission tests and for almost any undergraduate course of study. Also, you need to try taking placement exams with your parents and school counselor. And also consider joining extracurricular activities such as summer jobs, internships, or other .
7. Is the college of your choice Accredited?
The first step in choosing a college is by making findings about the school and to be sure it is accredited, meaning is the college an officially licensed institution through the government, and A college or university can be nationally or regionally accredited. Then review their curriculum to confirm that it meets basic academic standards for higher institution. A lot college provide this information on their website in other to make it easy for students to find
8. Do your General Findings
You now have your list of colleges that you are considering and the next step is to start doing your research on them. So many colleges request applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores, you need to create your own study period and find out when you’ll be taking important tests like the SAT, ACT, SAT Subject Tests, and AP exams, and mark the dates on your calendar. Also stay involved and organize college lists, and prepare for standardized tests and this will give you a headstart on your performance. From your long list of colleges start comparing them till you narrow down your college choices, and it is crucial that you have all the information you need about the colleges you’re interested in and start working towards applying for the college that suit you most.
Conclusion
Choosing the right college is something you need to decide for yourself. A lot of students select a college based on emotion or a very limited set of criteria such as the title a college is bearing “highly-ranked”, “prestigious” or just a gut feeling. You need to conclude by yourself on which college to attend, and notify the school of your decision. Then stay involved by keeping track of your application and find out if you qualify for scholarships at each college you have applied to and also proceed on the financial aid application early if you’re in need of financial assistance.
References
The student guide– https://www.bestcolleges.com/resources/undergraduate-application-guide/Mcness- https://www.mcneese.edu/career/how-to-choose-a-college-major-and-develop-a-career-plan/Big future –https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/find-colleges/how-to-find-your-college-fit/college-search-step-by-stepHumphreys– https://www.humphreys.edu/how-to-choose-the-right-college/Usnews- https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/slideshows/10-things-to-know-about-selecting-a-college-major?slide=4Mefa- https://www.mefa.org/blog/understanding-different-types-college-applicationsCollege transition- https://www.collegetransitions.com/college-planning/
