News
3 Questions for Choosing the Right College
Meet Riley, a high school senior from a middle class family in New York who is choosing where to attend college next year. Her top schools have offered her generous packages but she’s still not sure where to go. She doesn’t want to make assumptions or a mistake in choosing which college.
Can you relate? As tiresome or confusing as it may be, it is worth every second of effort to make sure you have the clearest and most informed view possible.
Lorii Myers once said, “Don’t build roadblocks out of assumptions.”
Here are three questions to ask yourself to challenge your beliefs.
Do I assume a smaller school has fewer opportunities?
Sydney Elmore, an Adolescent English Education and Special Education major, wants students to keep an open mind about attending a smaller school.
In her experience, “I get overwhelmed asking a question in front of a large class. The smaller setting and the more genuine relationships that students have with their professors creates a space that I personally feel like I can grow in.“
Do I assume I don’t need to visit the campus?
Jared Gibbons, a Computer Science major, advises students to view visiting college as a privilege. “Being an international student, I was not able to visit the campus before attending. I was incredibly lucky that Roberts has such a great campus.” If you assume a college has a great atmosphere or campus without confirming for yourself with a visit, you may be unpleasantly surprised.
Gibbons adds, “A school may look amazing on paper and in pictures, but the actual atmosphere is completely opposite to what you had previously envisioned.”
Do I assume some colleges are out of my league due to grades or finances?
If you choose to keep an open mind and stretch yourself, you may be pleasantly surprised.
Worried about grades? Depending on the college, you may have little reason to worry. According to CollegeData.com, more than 1,200 U.S. colleges (including Roberts) are test-optional.
“A test-optional college lets students decide whether they want to submit test scores with their application. Most test-optional schools [focus] on other factors they believe are stronger predictors of a student’s potential to succeed in college ... essays, recommendations, grades, and coursework just as (or more) closely than your test scores.”
Worried about finances? We are proud to say 100% of full-time traditional undergraduate students received financial aid.
Making Your Decision
No matter where you choose to attend college, you should be as informed as possible. Invest the time to challenge your assumptions and you may be pleasantly surprised with what you discover.
Don’t forget that May 1 is National College Decision Day, the deadline for seniors to choose their college.
Sources
https://www.cappex.com/articles/match-and-fit/list-of-colleges-likely-target-reach
https://www.collegedata.com/resources/prepare-and-apply/what-is-a-test-optional-college