Apply Youself!
Week Two
Researching Schools:
What to Consider
1
We will…
 Decide what is personally important
when picking a school.
 Decide what is professionally important
when picking a school.
 Learn how to research these things for
a potential school.
2
Personal Things to Consider 1
 College lasts at least 2 years!
 Pick one that you will like, not one your
family or friends like.
 Think about what is important to you as
a member of that community.
 What are some of your needs that
should be met?
3
Personal Things to Consider 2
Climate/Weather
Cost
Religious community
 Ethnic diversity
 Urban, suburban, rural location
 Transportation on/off campus
 Proximity to family and friends
4
Personal Things to Consider 3
 Housing requirements
 Athletic programs
 Cultural programs
 Study Abroad
 Off campus / Distance Learning
 Co-ed or same sex campus
 Overall happiness
5
Professional Things to
Consider 4
 Desired program
 College ranking
 Program ranking
 Internship/Externship opportunities
 Career center for job placement
6
Choosing A School
 A school might not fit every need.
 Choose a school that will give you
professional opportunities as well as help you
grow as a person.
 College is a learning experience both
academically and personally.
 Look to family and friends for help, but make
the decision yourself.
 Don’t be scared to try something new or by
yourself!
7
Choosing A School
 College is an investment.
 Don’t let cost be the deciding factor.
 Keep your family and friends informed
about your plans.
 Visit schools to “get a feel” of the
campus.
 Seek out current students and ask
questions.
8
Let’s Have a Look!
 Websites offer an easy way to learn
about a potential school.
 www.illinois.edu
 Labels such as “Facts,” “Campus Life,”
“Academics” tell you about the school.
 What else can we learn from the
website?
9
Now It’s Your Turn!
 The handout “What School Is the Best
Fit for Me?” will help you find out what is
important to you.
 The handout “So You Want to Go to
College?” will help you research and
choose 3 potential schools to apply to.
10
References
 www.illinois.edu
 Rochester, L., and Mandell, J. (1989).
The one hour college applicant: You
don’t need to read a 300-page book to
apply to college. Memphis: Mustang
Publishing Company.
11
Questions??
12