Criteria for College Selection

Size:
 
  • Small:  200 - 5,000 students
  • Medium:  5,000 - 15,000 students
  • Large:  15,000 - 40,000+ students
Population: Single sex or co-educational population; minority ratio; gender ratio
Control and Support:  Public, private, or religious affiliation
Costs:  Tuition, fees, room and board
Curriculum:  Desired major of program available vs. undecided major
 
If you have a tentative career choice, examine colleges that offer courses in that field.  If undecided, consider colleges offering a broad-based curriculum (usually called “liberal arts” or “arts and sciences”) which provide opportunities for exploring different fields of study.
Resources:  Depending upon your goals and needs, you may be interested in faculty, research, laboratories, library, dormitories, endowment, recreation facilities, learning disabilities programs, student counseling services, etc.
Difficulty:  The more selective colleges accept a limited number of students from among well-qualified candidates.  Most programs at these colleges are rigorous.  Although many students do well in a college that stimulates them, few are happy or successful in a college beyond their ability.
Environment:  This might be called “atmosphere” or “tone” or “feeling.”  Try to visualize yourself at a particular college.  Try to get your impression of the college by visiting, reading catalogs and bulletins, speaking to alumni, students, counselors, and others.
Special Programs/Athletics:  Many times, college selections are made based on athletic programs, music conservatories, accelerated academic programs or something similar.
Scholarship:  College selection may be made based upon merit scholarship.  Merit scholarships are awarded based upon a student’s academic profile; money is usually awarded each year during undergraduate study.  These scholarships are awarded upon acceptance to the school and do not require a separate application.