Choosing a college can be challenging for high school students. There are thousands of schools to choose from, each offering a different path to an educational goal. Deciding whether to attend an in-state or out-of-state university can be difficult and confusing. Breaking it down into the different practical factors involved makes it easier to choose a university.
Major
Finding a school that offers the right course of study and type of degree is the most important factor. The university should offer the planned curriculum with the appropriate level of schooling for the student's career plans. While different schools may have the same majors, the specialties and breakdowns in course requirements and workloads are sometimes very different. Majors that require very specialized training are may only be available at a limited number of schools. Check course catalogs and school admissions processes for details.
Housing
Living close to home or far away makes a big difference in expenses. For high school seniors venturing into college, living at home costs less, but it may curb the number of educational opportunities available due to location. Paying for on-campus living may or may not be covered by student loans, grants and scholarships. Dormitories are available at most schools that offer four-year degrees. On-campus plans typically have a dining hall meal plan in addition to housing costs. For students choosing a college away from home, finding a place to live and the money to pay for it may be more difficult. Out-of-state college students pay more for tuition and room and board. Having an off-campus apartment allows for more independence, but is more expensive in terms of meals, utilities and transportation.
Transportation
For students living off campus, whether at home or in an off-campus apartment, transportation is critical. The student will need a car or other reliable options. Public transportation is not always available in smaller cities and towns. Some schools don't allow freshmen to have an on-campus vehicle. Transportation not only allows students to get around to shopping for food and supplies, taking classes or recreational activities, it also means getting home for the holidays and summer breaks. Students should consider how often they will be coming home and how much travel expenses will cost. The length of the trip and mode of transportation are also factors.
Tuition
College costs vary from school to school. The price tag doesn't always guarantee the best education for each individual. Attending in state is less expensive than out of state. For college majors that are rare to find, students may have few options of where to go to school. Local colleges may be more affordable, but don't always have the right curriculum. Private student loans may be used to pay for or supplement the tuition, room and board, transportation and student activities. Some government loans only cover tuition or tuition, room and board.
Culture
Leaving home and going elsewhere can be exciting. Kids from small towns may wish to experience the world more fully. Those from larger cities should consider their environments just as carefully as those from rural places. Large universities have larger class sizes for basic level courses. This is difficult for those accustomed to one or two dozen students per class. Those comfortable with a large auditorium-style room filled with people may adjust easily if they are from metropolitan areas. Being far from home may be intimidating or may be a fun adventure. Making friends and learning new things is an important part of college living.
Major
Finding a school that offers the right course of study and type of degree is the most important factor. The university should offer the planned curriculum with the appropriate level of schooling for the student's career plans. While different schools may have the same majors, the specialties and breakdowns in course requirements and workloads are sometimes very different. Majors that require very specialized training are may only be available at a limited number of schools. Check course catalogs and school admissions processes for details.
Housing
Living close to home or far away makes a big difference in expenses. For high school seniors venturing into college, living at home costs less, but it may curb the number of educational opportunities available due to location. Paying for on-campus living may or may not be covered by student loans, grants and scholarships. Dormitories are available at most schools that offer four-year degrees. On-campus plans typically have a dining hall meal plan in addition to housing costs. For students choosing a college away from home, finding a place to live and the money to pay for it may be more difficult. Out-of-state college students pay more for tuition and room and board. Having an off-campus apartment allows for more independence, but is more expensive in terms of meals, utilities and transportation.
Transportation
For students living off campus, whether at home or in an off-campus apartment, transportation is critical. The student will need a car or other reliable options. Public transportation is not always available in smaller cities and towns. Some schools don't allow freshmen to have an on-campus vehicle. Transportation not only allows students to get around to shopping for food and supplies, taking classes or recreational activities, it also means getting home for the holidays and summer breaks. Students should consider how often they will be coming home and how much travel expenses will cost. The length of the trip and mode of transportation are also factors.
Tuition
College costs vary from school to school. The price tag doesn't always guarantee the best education for each individual. Attending in state is less expensive than out of state. For college majors that are rare to find, students may have few options of where to go to school. Local colleges may be more affordable, but don't always have the right curriculum. Private student loans may be used to pay for or supplement the tuition, room and board, transportation and student activities. Some government loans only cover tuition or tuition, room and board.
Culture
Leaving home and going elsewhere can be exciting. Kids from small towns may wish to experience the world more fully. Those from larger cities should consider their environments just as carefully as those from rural places. Large universities have larger class sizes for basic level courses. This is difficult for those accustomed to one or two dozen students per class. Those comfortable with a large auditorium-style room filled with people may adjust easily if they are from metropolitan areas. Being far from home may be intimidating or may be a fun adventure. Making friends and learning new things is an important part of college living.
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