FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A COLLEGE CAMPUS

KWL Chart In the “K” column write down anything you think you should consider when deciding on what college is right for you. Share out In the “W” column write down anything you want to know about college in general (academics, social aspect of college life, living in the dorms, etc.) Share out After taking Cornell Notes, in the “L” column write down the 3 most important things you learned.

Distance from home Some students decide that they want to go to college in a different region of the country from where they grew up. Others want to stay near their hometown or within driving distance from mom and dad. For many students, college can be a time of exploration. However, for other students, 'Home' is where the family is. One thing to consider if you move far away is the cost of traveling back home during holidays or vacations. Moving away from home has its benefits and drawbacks. One benefit is that you learn to be more independent and may be more open to meeting new people and joining different organizations because you do not have the “safety net” of being in a familiar setting. One drawback is that you are in an unfamiliar environment and may not have anyone to turn to in times of need. You have to decide if you are the type of person who welcomes change and would benefit from a new environment or if you are the type of person who prefers the familiar and would be more likely to thrive in a secure setting.

Enrollment (size of student body) The undergraduate enrollment at a college can range from as little as 700 students to as many as 35,000 students. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of both. For example, a large college can be exciting, but lonely; a small college can be friendly, yet stifling. If you learn best by listening and observing, a large college might be best for you. Conversely, a small college will offer more hands-on training, but less diversity in curriculum.

Geographic location / Campus setting (urban vs. rural) Do you thrive on the excitement and adventure of the city? Or do you feel more secure in a rural area? Do you want to be near the beach? Or would you rather be out in the countryside? Campus environment is another factor that is important for many students. On one side of the spectrum is a college like Dartmouth in a remote setting in New Hampshire, surrounded by forests and mountains on the bank of a river. On the other side of the spectrum, is New York University in the center of New York City with a campus indistinguishable from businesses and with many bustling streets weaving between college buildings and dormitories. Visiting colleges is the best way to help you decide upon the campus setting that you prefer.

Campus Safety The best way to find out about campus safety and what a college does to ensure the safety and security of its students is to talk to current students or recent alumni. You may also want to inquire about the presence of campus security officers, dorm entrance security, the availability of transportation around campus, escort services at night, the presence of outdoor lighting and emergency phones, and the crime rates on campus and in surrounding neighborhoods.

Public vs. Private U.S. colleges are either privately or publicly funded. Since public colleges are supported and operated by individual states and partially funded by state tax dollars, they generally cost less than private colleges. Yet, attending a state college outside your home state will likely cost more than tuition at the school in your home state. In addition, enrollments and class sizes at state schools tend to be higher than those at private institutions. Private colleges, on the other hand, are funded by tuition, fees, private gifts, corporate contributions, and endowments. Typically, this means that private colleges are more expensive than public colleges, though private colleges tend to offer more scholarships and grants. Enrollment and class sizes at private colleges tend to be smaller than those at public colleges.

Religious vs. Non-Denominational Although most private and all public colleges are secular, some colleges are operated by a religious organization and require religious activities and courses. Other colleges may be associated with a particular religion, yet students of varying religions attend the college and practice their own religions.

Single-sex vs. Coed The vast majority of U.S. colleges are coeducational. Although most women choose to attend coed colleges, there are eighty-two women's colleges. Research shows that women who attend women's colleges have advantages that lead them to be more fulfilled and successful in life than their female counterparts at coed colleges. On the other hand, advocates of coed colleges argue that women's colleges isolate women from the "real world" and the intellectual and social diversity that men provide. Aside from seminaries and rabbinical colleges, only a handful of men's colleges exist today: Hampden- Sydney, Morehouse, Wabash, Deep Springs, and St. John's University.

Academic focus A good way to assess the academic focus of a college is to consider the most popular majors and the percentages of students in those majors. A college where most of the students major in engineering obviously has a different strength and focus than a college where most of the students major in the arts or humanities. If you know what you want to study, research reputations of academic departments by talking to people in the fields that interest you. If you're undecided on your career path, relax and pick an academically balanced institution that offers a range of majors and programs.

Degrees Offered Does the school offer two or four-year programs? Consider what undergraduate and graduate programs the school provides. Find out what degrees, majors, and minors the school offers. If you know for certain what career you want to pursue, make sure the school offers that degree. For example, not many colleges offer a degree in Zoology. So that would limit your choice. Remember, though, that many students end up changing their major, so unless you are 100% sure, do not let that strictly guide your decision. You also have to consider if the field of study you want to pursue is impacted at the college.

Structured vs. Free-environment Each college has its own curriculum and course requirements for each major. Some colleges have strict requirements that allow for few electives. Other colleges have few requirements and allow students the freedom to select courses and do not require a formal major. Students who feel they need more structure and guidance may favor a college with stricter requirements; conversely, students with a defined academic and career plan may favor a college that offers flexibility.

Extracurricular activities College isn't just a place for intellectual development- it is a place for social and personal development as well. Consider what your college life will be like beyond the classroom. For example, if you are a high school athlete who would like to play a varsity sport in college, choose colleges based on the competitiveness of the sports teams. If you are interested in participating in Greek life, make sure the colleges you are looking at have fraternity and sorority houses. What other special interest groups are available? Getting involved on campus will lead to a more fulfilling college experience.

Cost Today's college price tag makes cost an important consideration for most students. Tuition, housing, meal plan, books, and transportation are some of the costs. At the same time, virtually all colleges work to ensure that academically qualified students from every economic circumstance can find financial aid that allows them to attend. In considering cost, look beyond the price tag and remember that the money you spend is an investment in your future.

Diversity Explore what you might gain from a diverse student body. Think about the geographic, ethnic, racial, and religious diversity of the students as a means of learning more about the world. Investigate what kinds of student organizations, or other groups with ethnic or religious foundations, are active and visible on campus.

Retention and graduation rates One of the best ways to measure a school's quality and the satisfaction of its students is to learn the percent of students who return after the first year and the percent of entering students who remain to graduate. Comparatively good retention and graduation rates are indicators that responsible academic, social, and financial support systems exist for most students.

HOUSING One thing to consider if you are not going to live at home and commute, is where are you going to live? Some universities require freshmen to live on campus for their first year and guarantee them housing. After the first year, though, on- campus housing might be difficult to find. Be sure to find out what the dorm-life is like. Are floors coeducational? Will you be ok with having someone from the opposite sex living down the hall from you?

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS/ COMPETITIVENESS OF ADMISSION What specific high school subjects, grade point average, and entrance tests are required? What are the application deadlines and cost? What is the average GPA and test scores of freshmen? Do you have a “good chance” of being accepted?

REPUTATION / RANKING Colleges across the nation are ranked according to different factors. For example, some colleges are known for being a “party school,” while others are known as “Ivy League.” Decide if the “prestige” of a college is important to you, but remember that you determine what your college experience is going to be like, regardless of its reputation.

Check-off list Now go to: and print the check-off list, fill it out, and attach to the back of your KWL chart and notes from this PowerPoint and turn in for credit.