It’s almost that time of the year again where high school students begin taking entrance exams in different colleges of their choice. If you passed the entrance exams in all the colleges you’ve applied for, congrats! Certainly it’s something to rejoice about; but then, now what? There are many factors that must be considered when deciding which school to go to:
1. Cost
Admittedly, most colleges and universities are really expensive. Tuition in the Philippines may cost up to almost half a million pesos. Remember that this is only the tuition. There are other expenses such as books and miscellaneous fees that may be added to your bill.
2. College Course
Not all colleges offer the same courses. If ever you chose different courses when you applied in various universities, you must decide on which course you would really want to take. Choose a course after looking at its curriculum and researching about possible career opportunities. If you’ve had all that down before you even took entrance exams, good job!
3. Scholarships or Aids
Many colleges offer scholarships to outstanding students and financially challenged students. Inquire in the universities about the scholarships and aids they offer and seize the opportunity!
4. School Ranking
If you’re planning to get into highly competitive courses such as law or a pre-med course, school rankings are important. High ranking universities produce very well-honed individuals who top the bar exams or the NMAT. In considering the ranking of the college you want, also keep in mind the reputation of the school outside.
5. Campus Size
400 Students from your high school batch may already seem like a big number but once you get into college, a batch may have 2000-3000 freshmen. This may intimidate or overwhelm you so keep in mind how this may affect your school performance. On the other hand, it may also be a great opportunity for you to socialize and meet new friends.
6. Location and Transportation
We all know how bad traffic can be so take that into consideration if there is a high possibility of you having early morning classes. Take into account how this may affect your academics and your lifestyle. Make sure that the location of the college you are planning to go to is safe enough and allows you some convenience for travel if you are not staying in a dorm. Plan ahead what time you must leave and estimate what time you will arrive home.
7. Gut Feel
It’s important to take on practical matters when choosing a college but sometimes, after considering all those mentioned above, it all boils down to which college you think will give you the college student experience you seek. Of course, there is no perfect college because it has its hardships but remember that everything is a learning experience.
Bibliography “Your complete guide to choosing a college.” College.usatoday.com, 6 May 2017, college.usatoday.com/2017/05/06/choosing-a-college/. Thacker, Lloyd. “How to Find a College That Fits You.” Bigfuture.collegeboard.org, The College Board, bigfuture.collegeboard.org/find-colleges/how-to-find-your-college-fit/how-to-find-a-college-that-fits-you.