Guidance College/Career

Staff | Career Center | College/Career | Records | Guidance Home

Choosing a College

Good decisions require good information . . .

• Information about yourself
• Information about the world of colleges

Information about yourself should include . . .

• Academic experiences and interests (The stronger your academic preparation, the broader your range of options.)
• Extracurricular activities and interests
• Personal attitudes, aptitudes, interests, goals, financial resources

Student – college matching characteristics . . .

Location, campus environment, cost, type (public or private), religious affiliation, athletics, size, student activities, financial aid, social life, programs offered, housing, environment, special programs and caliber of students

Information about colleges . . .

• Start now in the Career Center.
• Use the internet, computer search programs (MyRoad), college reference books, and other resources.
• Attend College Fair at Fair Oaks Mall or College Night at Hayfield Secondary School. Gather information.
• Narrow your list to 5 to 10 after researching each college.
• Visit college campuses (if possible) and talk to admissions personnel, faculty and students.
• Ask tough questions.
• Narrow your list to 3 to 5 colleges to which you will apply.

Traps to avoid . . .

• I'm applying to College X because all my friends are going there.
• There's only one college that's right for me.
• All colleges are the same, so why bother with all this work.
• I'm going to College X because my father/mother/sister/brother went there.
• College X is too expensive for me.
• I'm not applying there because I'll be rejected.
• If College X doesn't accept me, I'll be unhappy for the next four years.