Deciding on a university is a choice that students have to make. There are over 2,000 universities in the United States. Although the task of choosing and applying for college can be overwhelming, many sources of information and aid are available to students.
The College Board recommends making a step-by-step plan to reduce stress. By staying organized, students will feel in charge of the application process. On the College Board web site students can create an account, answer questions about themselves and receive a personalized college to-do list. There are also quizzes that suggest colleges, majors and future careers for students based on their results.
Students have many factors to consider while researching colleges.
“Location is important for a lot of students,” said Randy Fong, college counselor.
Location is related to cost because of out-of-state tuition rates, room and board fees and travel expenses. Visits to the campus are recommended. Seeing the campus can help narrow down a list of possible schools. College tours to visit West Coast colleges are available through Sacred Hearts twice a year.
“While cost is a big factor when it comes to choosing a school, it should not be the determining factor. Scholarships, need-based financial aid, student loans and on-campus job opportunities lower the cost of attending college on the mainland. The College Board web site has a section on financial aid that includes frequently asked questions and common financial aid programs,” said Fong.
“The size of the school must also be taken into account. Larger universities have more resources and facilities available for student use, but it is possible to get lost in the large student population. Smaller schools have a cosier atmosphere and students receive more one-on-one attention with their professors but such schools can be more selective with admissions and have smaller budgets.”
For senior Missy Corwin, a small student to professor ratio and community environment are important.
“I heard them talking about how good their pharmacy program is,” said Corwin, referring to Creighton University’s speaker.
“I had ruled Creighton out until I went to a reception at Punahou School where representatives from the school talked about how much they cared about their students. I had always been worried about professors not caring about their students so that statement really affected me.”
Students especially need to remember that they are not alone in this process.
“They should make appointments with their college counselor to discuss potential colleges and the application process. An organized step-by-step plan will reduce student stress and help students feel more in control of their future,” said Fong.
