Which College is 'Right' for Me?

With over 3500 colleges and universities across the United States, not to mention the numbers around the globe, the possibilities for higher education are almost infinite. But how do you determine which is really the "right one" for you?

Seniors - and in some case juniors and sophomores - already have been receiving publications from a large number of colleges. And again the question, "How do you determine which one is 'right' for you?"

The college and university ratings and rankings often are of minimal assistance even if they do purport to be distinctive and individual. So how do you sort through all of these guide books, web sites, and rankings?

One way to approach finding the "right college" is to identify the institution where you will be most engaged: that is, where you will find an educational experience that will keep you connected and involved - inside and outside of the classroom - and where you find "like minded" students.

The report titled "Promoting Engagement for All Students: The Imperative to Look Within" was released this last week by Indiana University's Center for Postsecondary Research. It was sponsored by Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Remarkably the study found that a student's experience does not differ much among institutions.

It was not so much the specific college or university attended that made the educational experience special and worthwhile; rather it was differences amongst students' attitudes and behaviors where "educational quality" occurred.

Specifically the report focused on academic challenge, collaborative learning, student-faculty interaction, enriching educational experiences and the supportive campus environment. While the report honed in on these five areas, the key for students is to be "totally engaged" -- both inside and outside the classroom.

A senior from Wichita State University, quoted in the study, said, "The time spent out of the classroom (i.e. extra curricular activities) has been just as valuable, if not more valuable, as time spent in the classroom. The administration and faculty have taken the time to continue the learning experience outside the classroom." (Blog writer's note: Blogger is a graduate of Wichita Sate University).

When trying to answer the question of which college or university is "right" for you, look at the entire experience and the ability to immerse yourself in the learning culture of the college rather than just considering reputation, professors, and location. Key to the quality of your post-secondary education is to choose a college that facilitates your choice to connect, engage, participate, collaborate, and enjoy the total college experience.

Brian E. Davis, M.T.S.
CIO, University Advisors Admission Specialists, LLC