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Make informed decisions on college choices by considering major, distance from home, cost, scores, and fit with helpful tips.
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Your College Search What to consider…
What to Consider • Start with your MAJOR • Calculate the DISTANCE from home • Consider the COST • Compare your SCORES • Find the right FIT
Your MAJOR • What do you want to study? • Is it consistent with your career choice? • Does the college offer a high quality program of study? • What other majors does the college offer that are of interest?
DISTANCE from Home • You do not need to go far away to “feel” like you are far away. • How often will you want to return for holidays or other special occasions? • How much will it cost to travel to and from college?
Consider the COST • Start a discussion with your parent/guardian about what you will be able to afford. • Like buying a car, the sticker price may not be what you actually pay. • Begin by considering all of the schools you like, regardless of cost. • Remember – cost does not always equal a better education.
Compare your SCORES • Your overall grade point average • Your rank in class • Your regents exam scores • Your college entrance exams • The college’s published scores
Find the right FIT • Like finding the right pair of blue jeans, look for a school that is a good “fit” for you. • Small or large or something in between? • Ivy on the walls, sleek and modern looking or quaint college town? • Big city, suburban or rural? • Competitive athletics program? • Great art department?
What Colleges Want to See • Your transcript - a list of your courses and grades. • Your college entrance exams. • Your extracurricular activities. • Your ability to write essays. • Recommendations from your teachers and counselors. • Quality senior year courses.
To how many schools should I apply? Think “Levels” Level 1 – your dream college. Level 2 – colleges that match your gpa and exam scores closely. Level 3 – safety schools, if level 1 and 2 schools were eliminated due to cost or competitive applications.
Degrees – Associates, Bachelors, Masters? • Associate degree – generally a two-year program of study. • Bachelors degree – generally a four-year program of study. • Masters/Doctorate/Professional degrees – extend beyond the bachelors degree.
Public or Private College? • Public colleges (SUNY system) receive funding from the state government. • The funding keeps tuition costs lower for state residents. • Out-of-state residents pay more. • Private colleges may offer more grants and scholarships to compete with public colleges.
Mistakes to Avoid • Applying to, but not visiting colleges • Ignoring email or regular mail sent from colleges • Using an inappropriate email address • Rushing through applications • Waiting too long to complete applications and essays • Failing to edit your work
Available Resources… • Your school counselor • The GRB Guidance Office Website • Guidance Website • Your GRB Course Catalog • Individual College Websites • Parents, teachers, advisors • College Catalogs and Viewbooks