Factors which should be considered when choosing a college?

Choosing a college is a big decision. You may find many colleges and universities that match your preferences. It is good to explore your interests and to take the time to find the college that is right for you and that match your needs. The first thing to do when considering your options is to identify your priorities and carefully research the characteristics of a range of schools.
One characteristic to consider is the size of the student body. Size will affect many of your opportunities and experiences including the range of academic majors offered, extracurricular possibilities, the amount of personal attention you’ll receive, and the size of the library. Location is also something to consider when choosing a college. Do you want to visit home frequently, or do you want to have an experience in a new part of the country? How accessible are the colleges you are considering to things like museums, recreation or other things that might be a priority to you?
If you know what you want to study, than it is a good idea to research the departments of interest at the different schools. If you are not sure what you want to study than look for an academically balanced institution that offers a range of majors and programs. Cost is also an important consideration for most students. But in most cases, virtually all colleges work to ensure that academically qualified students can find financial aid that allows them to attend without cost being an issue.
Finally, explore what you might gain from a diverse student body. Think about the geographic, ethnic, racial and religious diversity of the students as a means of learning more about the world. Investigate what kinds of student organizations or other groups are available on campus.
One of the best ways to measure a school’s quality and the satisfaction of its students is to find out the percent of students who return after the first year and the percent of entering students who remain to graduate. Good retention and graduation rates are great indicators that responsible academic, social and financial support systems exist at those institutions.

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