This article is a guest post by Katie Garrett of Garrett Educational Consulting.
When students come into our office, some think they know exactly what they want in terms of college choices. They’ll say that “school ‘x’ is my top choice.” However, when we in turn ask the question “why,” they suddenly cannot describe their reasoning. The hard part for juniors and seniors isn’t deciding that a school sounds like a good fit, but it’s discerning why such a school correlates to their needs and wants. In researching colleges, students must delve into the details that make up a school and thus have to think about which aspects are most important to them.
Alongside our GEC philosophy, we care about the student and the environment that will give them the most happiness, support, and opportunities to succeed. Rather than looking at narrowed lists of universities, we believe that every student has a fit, and fortunately there is a wide range of schools to look at. When considering different options, students should ask themselves some of these questions, even if they are in song form:
1. Just a small town girl? Just a city boy?
LOCATION: Do you need a big city? Small town coffee shops? Or a college town that bleeds blue and white? There are schools that fit into each of these categories, along with others that take advantage of their location and create activities around it. Students should consider the environment that will allow them the exploration of their choice and fun activities to do on the weekend. Also, take into consideration how easy or complex it is to get to and from the school, and how that might affect your experience there.
2. Ice, Ice Baby? It’s getting hot in here?
CLIMATE: Does a forecast of snow make you wax your skis? Is the outdoor pool calling your name? Or do you simply love the colors of fall foliage? Four years will fly by, but not so much if you are drowning in a pool of sweat or have frostbitten fingers and toes. If you are considering a school in a climate outside your norm make sure you visit during the worst possible weather conditions. Trust us – it’s important.
3. You got a friend in me?
THE FRESHMAN EXPERIENCE: “The Freshman Experience” is something relatively new. Many schools have created an environment that caters to those newly away from home, also know as Freshmen. There might be a special orientation prior to the returning students arrival on campus, a part of campus that houses only Freshmen, and some even have their own Freshman Dean that acts as a parent of sorts. And no, they will not do your laundry for you.
4. She take my money, when I’m in need….yeah?
TUITION: Financial aid, merit scholarships, in state tuition. Many times, we find that students have no concept of the price differences between colleges, and often the parents are surprised too. It is important for students and parents to have those conversations prior to May 1st of the senior year in an effort to avoid additional stress to the process. There are amazing schools in all price ranges with all types of money offered, so keep an open mind.
5. Peanut Butter Jelly Time?
HOUSING/FOOD: Is it important for you to live on campus all four years? Are you itching to get an apartment and experience living on your own? Some schools offer guaranteed housing all four years, while others guarantee in only your first year, or not at all. Which leads us into food: Do you have food allergies or food restrictions? Prefer to eat on your own or have a required meal plan? Maybe an apartment sounds nice…but if you can’t even cook Easy-Mac without it burning, maybe it’s time to reconsider.
7. We are the champions?
SCHOOL SPIRIT/ATHLETICS: How important is school spirit as part of your college experience? Do you need to have winning sports teams that are supported by the students or just a place where you can tailgate and be happy even if your team doesn’t win? Even more, are there club sport opportunities? A spirited student body? Remember, your wardrobe will start to become awash in your beloved school colors. So, try to think about if you’re the student that will be in the bleachers every Saturday or comfortably on your couch, playing the kind of sports games that come from an Xbox.
8. A, B, C…Easy as 1, 2, 3?
ACADEMICS: Most 17 and 18 year olds do not know what they want to be when they grow up, and that is completely normal and fine. What is important to consider is what type of learner are you? Do you prefer a huge lecture class where you take notes, study on your own, and take a test, or do you prefer experiential or collaborative learning with your peers? Does the school have majors and minors that are in line with your current interest, along with internship opportunities and research options with professors? Above all, the college you chose should offer you the education you want and need.
Students, no matter if they are freshman or starting the fall of their senior year, should always consider the aspects of school choices that will give them the best opportunities of success. For GEC, success is defined as a multi-faceted spectrum, involving happiness, friendship, guidance, and achievement. With this, the decision of the ‘right fit’ for any of our students becomes a challenge of its own, but the rewards are worth it. We know this decision isn’t easy, but during the college process, think about creating your own checklist of what is important to you. And, if it’s in song form, maybe it’s time you consider a music major?!
Garrett Educational Consulting, LLC is a full-service, academic consulting firm based in Charlotte, North Carolina. For over twenty years, founder Katie Garrett has shared her passion for education with families and has cultivated her passion for helping students learn. She is a graduate of Vanderbilt University with degrees in both Cognitive Studies and Psychology, and has completed her graduate certificate in Independent Educational Consulting through The University of California-Irvine. Katie’s studies provide her with a unique foundation for understanding the science of the mind and the process by which students learn to think and problem solve combined with the emotional and psychological forces that drive our children.
Garrett Educational Consulting
www.garretteducationalconsulting.com
info@garretteducationalconsulting.com
980.677.0311
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