College selection is one of the biggest decisions that a young person is asked to make. In order to help a student and their parents with this process I stress the following key factors to remember:
1. Colleges look for students with a strong background in community service & leadership skills. Make sure that you can show that you have this on your activity resume.
2. Visit the colleges that you are planning on applying to before you submit your application. When you visit the college campus make sure that you make a connection with the admission officer at that college or university.
3. It is important to find out what the percentage of students is that live on campus. The college experience should be 24/7. You do not want to attend a college where the majority of students return home on the weekends.
4. A college admission officer spends an average of 12 minutes reviewing your application. Make sure that your application is clear and precise before you submit it. Remember you want the admissions officer to feel that you will be a good addition to their school.
5. It is okay to declare your major as undecided. The Undecided Major is the largest major that college freshman declare.
6. Find out the percentages of students that return for their sophomore year and that graduate in 4 years. This is information that is helpful for you to know.
7. It usually takes students less time to graduate (4.2 years) from a Private College than it does from a Public University (5.2 years). Plus often private schools are more generous with extending financial aid.
If you have any questions regarding the above information please contact Patty at (216) 577-3300.
