7. Do you want to study at a large or small university?
There is obviously a difference in environment between a large university in a large, urban city to small university in small town. What’s your preference? Pay attention to the student faculty ratio if a small university is better for you. Also, don`t forget that many large universities may also have some small, selective programs.
There is obviously a difference in environment between a large university in a large, urban city to small university in small town. What’s your preference? Pay attention to the student faculty ratio if a small university is better for you. Also, don`t forget that many large universities may also have some small, selective programs.
8. What other variables are important to you?
University`s ranking and reputation, co-op, internships, career services, retention rates, extra-curricular activities, academic support services, varsity sport, intramural sport, study exchanges, reputation of faculty, employer reputation, campus facilities, residence, food services, etc. The list can be endless.
University`s ranking and reputation, co-op, internships, career services, retention rates, extra-curricular activities, academic support services, varsity sport, intramural sport, study exchanges, reputation of faculty, employer reputation, campus facilities, residence, food services, etc. The list can be endless.
9. Visit your short list of universities
My preference is to avoid the open houses or other events that are specifically organized to showcase the university. They tend to be very busy and you`re not likely to get a real feel for the campus. It’s like visiting my house during a party as opposed to a normal day.
My preference is to avoid the open houses or other events that are specifically organized to showcase the university. They tend to be very busy and you`re not likely to get a real feel for the campus. It’s like visiting my house during a party as opposed to a normal day.
10. Speak to current students and alumni
Try to get information from unofficial, unpaid sources. They tend to be more honest and straight forward. Bear in mind that most students cannot compare their experience at their university to another, so you’ll have to do the comparison yourself.
Try to get information from unofficial, unpaid sources. They tend to be more honest and straight forward. Bear in mind that most students cannot compare their experience at their university to another, so you’ll have to do the comparison yourself.
11. How will you finance your education?
If you need to rely on financial aid, make this an important part of your research. Endowments vary from university to university and even from program to program.
If you need to rely on financial aid, make this an important part of your research. Endowments vary from university to university and even from program to program.
12. Extra-curricular activities
A number of universities do want to see that you do more than study; especially for competitive programs and in some cases for scholarships. Therefore, if after school activities are not part of your life now, pick one or two things that you enjoy. But don’t jeopardize your grades by devoting too much time on extra-curricular activities.
Stick with me, it`s not as daunting and complicated as it looks. Why don’t you follow the blog by email to get more advice delivered to your inbox? Simply complete the box on your right.
