College Choice Process: Factors to consider when choosing a college

Stages of College Choice 1. Predisposition Phase : Students make decision about pursuing postsecondary education during this phase. Development of aspirations is central to this stage. Parents and family members are powerful in shaping college aspirations. Familial cultural values and background (i.e. socioeconomic status) impact decisions to attend college. Academic success also strongly influences long-term educational plans. (Luke & Seward, 2014)

2. Search Phase : Students begin forming attributes and values of the colleges they are considering and seek information about specific postsecondary institutions. Students develop a set of colleges/universities of interest. This is a great time to hosting a college night, visits by college admissions personnel, a recent panel of graduates enrolled in postsecondary education, and campus visits. (Luke & Seward, 2014)

3. Choice Phase : Students make decisions about which colleges to apply, and ultimately attend. Students will evaluate the colleges and universities in their choice set. Helping students learn how to access information, what questions to ask of colleges in their final choice set, and how to complete and evaluate financial aid documents will be important. (Luke & Seward, 2014)

Cost  Tuition  Course Fees (labs, materials, etc.)  Textbooks and other supplies  Housing  Food  Personal  Financial Aid  Expected Family Contribution (EFC)  Loans, Grants, Scholarships, Institution based funds

Majors & Programs of Study  What do you want to do?  What are you good at?  Choosing a Major  What Majors/Programs are offered  General Education Requirements  Major/Program Requirements  Combined Programs (3-2/4-1)  Undecided

Public V. Private Public Expenses subsidized by tax revenues. Lower tuition costs (out-of-state students pay a higher rate of tuition). Tend to offer similar curriculums, although there is some tailoring to regional dynamics (agricultural or marine sciences program) Private Expenses are paid by private sources (tuition, donations, interest from school’s endowment). Higher tuition costs Curriculums vary widely based on school size, mission, focus, etc. (Luke & Seward, 2014)

Location  Rural  Urban  Suburban  Big City V Small Town  In state/Out State  Distance  What’s around

Size  Campus  Class  Major/Program

Services and Campus Life  Sports  division  Counseling Center  Library  Food Courts  Entertainment Centers  Shopping Centers  Clubs and Organizations

Resources  Big Future (College Board) – Compare Colleges Big Future (College Board)  Big Future (College Board) – Search Colleges Big Future (College Board)  NACAC Guide NACAC Guide

Other post-secondary options  2 year and 4 year schools  Gap Year  Work  Vocational and Technical Training  Military Training

What else? What can you think of that factors into YOUR college choice?

Citations Luke, M. & Seward, D. (2014). Options in Higher Education: Focusing on Four- Year Schools. COU 600: School Counseling for College Access and Retention. Lecture conducted from, Syracuse, NY. Factors to Consider When Choosing a College. Retrieved February 26, 2015, from