Choosing the right college in 21st century is not at all easy. With the rapid development in the field of education, one can never know if a college is genuinely competent or it just a money-making establishment. The demands of the students are not making the college selecting process any easier either. There have been countless cases where students have selected their college on the basis of the brands that their canteen has, or how far away is it from their hometown.
One thing that every student needs to know is that the dream college for one student could very conveniently be a nightmare for another. However, here is a basic guide that could be followed while selecting the right college for you:
1) The Ones who will Teach You:
A faculty can make or break your interest in a particular subject. Finding a good, reputed institution is important, but what is also important is having an enviable faculty. Every university website provides a list of their faculties in every department including their qualifications and specializations. Read about them, and also try and get in touch with their current students or alumni to find out how good they are.
Know that not all the professors are going to be brilliant. You will learn that a few faculties’ teaching methods are not enjoyable, but go for a place where the maximum number of teachers are good at their jobs and have potential to be good research guides as well, since that is going to be an important part of your degree.
2) Aim High:
The name of the college that issues your degree certificate matters. A well reputed college would certainly bag you more job opportunities. It is ideal to divide your college preferences into three groups; the first one being your top choices, but the hardest to get into, the second being the colleges you would like to attend, but are comparatively easier to get into, and the third being the last resort colleges, which are conveniently easy to get into.
After this, work with your full potential according to your choices depending on where you get selected.
3) Infrastructure:
A college with high-end infrastructure paves way for comfort and even opportunities. Apart from air conditioned classrooms and top branded computers, a good infrastructure will provide you with scope to participate in extra-curricular activities. With a quality infrastructure, you could have huge playgrounds, performing arts room, large auditoriums for performances, etc.
It might be impossible to find all of these facilities in one infrastructure, but again, you need to balance your priorities and choose accordingly. If you’re more inclined towards dancing as an extra-curricular activity, find an institution where the infrastructure has good performing arts room and auditoriums for performances. In that case, you would not have a problem with the institution not having a huge sports complex.
4) The Ocean of Opportunities:
Opportunities are not only confined to extra-curricular activities like singing, dancing, and sports. You need to find out about what kinds of internship possibilities does your university provide. Identify the seminars that are organized, and the several committees and clubs that are formed. Also search if your potential college has a placement cell, since placements are of utmost importance after the end of a degree. You also need to make sure that your institution is a high-yielding place for organizations to hire from. This will ensure that your career begins with the right note.
5) The Whereabouts of College:
It is important to consider the city where you’re planning to pursue a degree. A cosmopolitan or metropolitan city will give your more exposure in terms of student body being multiracial, varied internship opportunities, easy access to work material and transport, etc.
However, there are certain universities located in the most remote corners of a city. In that case, you need to weigh out the pros and cons of it. If the college has a really good reputation with great faculty, the location of the place can be compromised. Always compare the pros and cons if the city puts you in a difficult position.
6) It’s Not about the Money:
Whilst the fees structure certainly decides whether you will be able to pursue a degree in that particular college or not, do not immediately eliminate the options if the fees structure seems difficult on your pocket at first sight. Tuition is expensive, but there are uncountable financial aids available. A lot of institutions also provide heavy scholarships to their students as well. Apply everywhere, and also give the entrances and interviews.
Once you get accepted, you can work with the college to put together a financial aid package that will make the tuition affordable. Wait for getting information on the financial aid that the college will be able to provide you along with your acceptance letter. There’s a very fair possibility that the college you thought was the most expensive will be the cheapest on your pocket after considering the scholarships and financial aids that you get.
