Did you know that around a third of college students drop out of school in their first year in the US? This is a big number, and there are many different factors that can link to this happening. It could be that they’ve chosen the wrong course, that they’ve found a job without needing a degree, that they have other responsibilities to deal with, and more. It could, of course, be that they don’t like the college they have chosen. With this in mind, here are some tips on finding the right college so you can enjoy your time at school and come away with a great degree.
Don’t Worry
The first thing to bear in mind when you’re looking for the right college is that the perfect college probably doesn’t exist. However, the perfect college for you might. It’s going to depend on what your degree subject is, what kind of personality you have, where you like living, and much more, so you need to take all of this into account.
Mistakes can still be made, however, because sometimes it won’t be possible to know what a college – or a course – is like until you get started. If you think you have made a mistake, the key is not to worry. You don’t have to give up on your college dreams altogether. Perhaps you’ll take some time out to gather your thoughts, but if you want to go back to education, or you just want to switch courses or colleges, it can be done – CampusReel has some excellent advice about transferring schools, for example.
Visit The Campus
Most colleges will hold open days throughout the year, and even if you can’t make one of the official ones, it’s highly likely they’ll offer a tour if you express an interest in joining the school. This is a great idea. It would be hard to be sure of any decision you make unless you’ve been to the campus, seen the facilities, checked out the dorms, and perhaps even met a lecturer or two.
Just as when you buy a house, choosing a college isn’t just about the practicalities; it’s often also about the feeling you get when you go there. Sometimes you’ll feel positive, and sometimes you’ll feel less sure, and if you’re not sure, it’s worth checking out some other colleges to see if they make you feel better.
Assess The Culture Fit
Every college has its own culture. Some will be loud, party places, and others will be much calmer and quieter. What are you looking for? Education is important, but you also need to have some fun in your downtime. If you love to party and that’s what makes you happy, it’s best not to choose a campus that’s far away from everything, or that doesn’t have that party atmosphere. If you prefer quiet pursuits, or you’re particularly interested in sports in your free time, or anything else, that’s what you need to look out for.
The education can be amazing, but if you don’t like your free time, you’ll soon get stressed and miserable. You need to have a good balance.
