Factors to Consider when Choosing an Institution
- Setting/Environment: Are you looking for a traditional college campus, or would you rather attend an institution which is integrated into a city?
- Class Sizes: Is it important to you whether a typical class has 20 or 200 students?
- Faculty Achievements/Qualifications: Would you prefer a research institution which can provide you with research opportunities, or are you looking for an institution where professors are more focused on teaching?
- Social Life: Do you intend to get involved in Greek Life? Do students stay on campus or go off campus on the weekends?
- Safety: Does the institution offer a safe ride program? How safe do students feel on campus?
- Affordability: Can you afford the institution? How much debt are you willing to take on to finance your education?
- Specific Major : Does the institution offer the major or program you want to pursue?
- Graduate/Professional Opportunities: Does the institution offer five-year/combined degree programs?
- Distance from home: Will you need to travel home often? Did you consider travel expenses in your financial picture?
- Extra-curricular activities: Does the institution offer the extracurricular activities you want? Is there an opportunity to create a new club?
- Living arrangements: Are transfer students required to live on-campus? Is there special housing for transfer students? Does the institution offer affinity housing or living-learning communities?
- Career Planning: Does the institution have a career center that will assist you in planning for a career? Will help be available in securing internships and jobs?