For educators: Military Resources
No two colleges and universities are alike. As you’re trying to find the one that’s right for you, there are several important factors to consider:
There’s a big difference between a class of 70 and a class of 7,000. Bigger schools have more resources and things to do, while smaller schools often have more of a community vibe and allow you to stand out more in class and around campus.
Want to be in the city? Near the beach? Close to home? Or somewhere totally new? If you don’t know, you might want to spend some time thinking about the answers to these questions.
Some schools are more affordable than others — and this isn’t just a public versus private thing. After considering your options, it’s important to talk with your parents or guardians to make sure you understand the costs of tuition and your opportunities for financial aid.
While some common majors can be found at most colleges and universities, no two schools are alike in terms of the opportunities you’ll encounter — like unique concentrations or more hands-on experiences. So, if you’re dreaming of a career in a specific field, it’s good to double-check if your dream school has options that can help you get there.
Some schools offer more student housing than others — and the cost of off-campus housing varies a lot. As you’re reviewing your options, it’s important to consider the availability, cost and quality of accommodations both on and off campus.
Reputation means a lot in academia, and not just in terms of accreditation and affiliation. The reputation of some schools is enough to provide a serious resume boost on job applications — and a good alumni network can really come in clutch, too.
Hopefully you won’t ever have to worry about this, but it never hurts to be prepared. As you explore a school’s campus, familiarize yourself with local emergency services, student support systems and police presence.
College is about a lot more than finding a job when you’re done, but many schools offer dedicated resources to help make that happen, like internship programs, networking opportunities and dedicated career services departments. You’ll thank yourself later if the schools on your list have these resources and programs available to help you before and after graduation.
You don’t have to pay for school all on your own, and most colleges and universities offer programs to help you out. You may be eligible for reduced or in-state tuition at a public school, while at a private school, you might have to rely more on scholarships, grants and loans. In any case, it’s important to understand how each school on your list can help you offset the cost of higher education.
You can tell a lot about a school by its graduation and postgraduate employment rates. Both are valuable indicators of how seriously the students take their studies and how seriously the school prepares them for the real world — and they’re usually cornerstones of a school’s reputation and prestige.
We hope you’ve found these tips both useful and inspiring. There’s more to explore, so why stop now?