How to Choose a College or University

It's never too early to start thinking about where you might continue your education.

In fact, think of college as a way to gain independence and expand on the skills and education you need for a good career. Also, think of the money you can earn with a higher degree.

1. Explore Your Options
Before you make a decision, explore your options. Below is a list of resources that can aid you in this. You might want to record any details in your career portfolio, like the ones available on www.efoliomn.com.

• Begin with the listings of private and public colleges and universities to explore Minnesota-based education options.
• Locate college catalogs in your high school's guidance office or career center. Or write to schools directly for a free copy.
• Take virtual tours on college Web sites to learn important details about classes, costs and activities.
• Talk to parents, teachers, counselors, current college students or recent graduates. Ask them how they decided on a school or program and what factors were most important to them.
• Use online tools like MCIS or ISEEK to plan your education.
• Read college directories at a local library or on the Internet. Directories rank and compare schools based on tuition, majors and other factors. Popular titles include Peterson's Annual Guide to Undergraduate Study and The College Board College Handbook.
• Attend college fairs or talk to college representatives. Ask about financial aid, campus life, programs, academic requirements and entrance exams like the ACT and SAT.
• Choose a state. Reciprocity agreements with Minnesota's neighboring states can help cut costs and expand your choices. Visit MCIS to research schools and training in other states. Or use the "Education & Training Finder" tool on www.CareerInfoNet.org.

2. Prioritize Your Options.
Now that you've explored the options, it's time to shorten your list.

Prioritize the aspects of a school that are most important to you. It might be programs offered, class size, activities, student diversity or other elements.

List your top five college choices below.

1. ____________________
2. ____________________
3. ____________________
4. ____________________
5. ____________________

3. Set Your Education Goals.
Next, think about your short-term and long-term education goals.

Goals should reflect your overall career objectives. A long-term education goal, for example, might be to graduate from one of your choice schools with a bachelor's degree. Short-term goals are the steps that help you achieve your long-term goal.

Which schools offer the program you're interested in? What steps will you take to decide which schools to apply to and ultimately make a final decision? Write down your long- and short-term education goals below.

Long-term education goal:
__________________________________________
__________________________________________

Short-term education goals:
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________

4. Visit Schools.
Be sure to visit the campuses of the schools you listed — seeing a school firsthand will give you a better perspective. Talk to professors and students. Sit in on a class. Schedule a meeting with admissions and financial aid offices. Decide whether or not you feel comfortable on that campus, because that's important, too.

5. Apply to Schools.
Narrow down your school choices one final time. Check out the Minnesota Office of Higher Education's Minnesota College Guide for profiles of 81 schools and their programs (www.getreadyforcollege.org).

Remember to have more than one option in case you're not accepted at every school or you change your mind (it happens!).

Once you've decided, apply for admission and financial aid.