University of your dream: guide to choosing an alma mater
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Wait till the short list arrives. Before you decide on any particular institution, stop and think what they have to offer you in a long-term perspective. If you’ve been thinking on becoming an engineer, does a university/college have enough facilities to carry on with the research?
Similarly, you don’t have to shy away from less prestigious choices. After all, it may be just what you need in terms of campus, lectures and accommodation. Listen to other students who apply to the same institution and try to inquire about the number of graduates who find a job after finishing college. Scarce ratings may freak you out, but don’t worry: some universities still present a good old option of signing a contract right after you apply, meaning you will have an employment status once the commencement speeches are made.
Prioritize. Do not wait for the perfect moment, create it yourself! On a sheet of paper, write the list of higher educational establishments, dear to your heart, and decide which one of them is worth considering. If you are living in another area, do not forget about campus, hall of residence and equipment. You might also need a piece of advice from the university counselor. Many of us overlook this traditional part of application process, but we advise you to make an inquiry as the majority of colleges wish to show you their best side. Perfectly natural, but still unfair to the student brotherhood.
Look around. Take a bite of that student pie – reality might be just a little bit different from what you saw on TV, and never underestimate the importance of a round-campus tour. If you are not sure whether you are good at decision-making, take your parents with you so you can make sensible choices together. Ask your future roommates what they think of this place and interview the seniors. It might look a bit awkward at the beginning, especially if you have no idea of how a college board operates, yet it will give you a detailed explanation of what you have to expect upon entering.
Think of the perspective. We don’t say you should make far-fetched plans, but knowing where you are heading would be great if you are choosing college. For many parents, it is an ideal balance of cost and degree, and knowing your college’s strengths will only help. Do not take the testimonials for granted unless they have some background to them, and investigate on your own. Do they have sufficient resources to offer aid? Are there any student loans available? This may seem a child’s play, but you should not be too gullible when it comes to education. Focus on the internal structure of your future destination and try to find out as much as you can about their values and student culture. It’s challenging, but rewarding.
Talk with parents. Parent control and helicoptering haven’t been too helpful in terms of college decisions, but in some cases it is still better than counseling. You just have to sit down and decide what you want to do with your life – is it going to be a mutual choice or an individual option? Either way, don’t panic. We advise you to take a deep breath and recollect the best memories from your on-campus experience. Where did you feel most comfortable? Can your relatives be of assistance if you are moving elsewhere? These, and other similar moments create an engaging picture of you applying. Don’t miss your chance, and of course, don’t procrastinate. You may think there is plenty of time, but the deadline is coming so take that motivational letter of yours and head off now!