Mim L. Runey is president of the Providence Campus and chief operating officer of Johnson & Wales University.
Helping my daughter identify the right college this past year was daunting at first, but I quickly learned that finding the perfect fit would be easier than I thought. I just had to play a dual role as mother and administrator.
To navigate the process, we examined each potential college with a few basic questions in mind, focusing on affordability, academic quality and support services.
Is It Affordable?
For most families, cost is an important factor. Tuition, housing, books and supplies add up, as do fees for computers, activities, graduation, orientation and specialized labs — most of which are often not included in tuition.
You may calculate these costs by year and over four years' time (including projected tuition increases) using College Navigator.
Remember to explore opportunities for financial aid. For need-based aid, determine your eligibility by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. You may qualify for federal grants, loans and scholarships, and schools can provide their own need-based aid as well as merit aid, but be sure to determine if the institutional aid you receive will be awarded each year and under what conditions.
Don't over-borrow for daily expenses, and consider a part-time job during college. The Federal Work-Study Program, a form of aid, offers students who qualify opportunities to work on campus.
Will the Academic Program Help Your Career?
A quality program is supported by engaged faculty members. Notice if faculty members are involved in the admissions process.
Some schools will allow you to sit in a class as a part of your visit. Observe their interactions with students and find out what students are saying about professors. Engaged faculty members offer support outside of the classroom and often share networking ideas and opportunities.
Faculty members' credentials are important, but effective college teachers also have experience in the industry.
As you consider the support that you could receive from the faculty members, keep in mind that your intended major should help you reach your career goals. Ask how the degree programs at your prospective university will help prepare you for the types of careers that you're interested in.
To find out more about how your prospective college or university might prepare you for the work force, visit the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, which can give you information about the future demand for jobs in the fields that interest you.
Are There Opportunities for Experiential Education?
An internship or study-abroad opportunity can be a valuable hands-on experience, and can help you land a full-time job after graduation. (This is a major focus of our programs at Johnson & Wales University, so it was an area of high importance to me when I was going through the college admissions process with my daughter.) These experiential education programs are generally for-credit work experiences and some offer compensation or stipends.
How Does the School Look?
While the appearance of a campus is no guarantee of quality in the classroom or of the services the school provides, well-maintained buildings, an inviting landscape and attention to detail can be a reflection of overall quality. At a minimum, the people you meet should demonstrate pride in their work and enthusiasm toward the school.
How Does It Feel?
This is the final test. You will very likely find a couple of colleges that will make the cut, from cost and quality perspectives. The determining factor boils down to how comfortable you feel in the campus environment. My daughter's short list included universities of equal cost and quality. In the end, her final choice was the one that "just fit right."
We'd like to continue this discussion with you. Do you have experience and advice that you'd like to share about navigating the college admissions process? Please feel free to do so in the comments box below.
By CAITLIN KELLY 18 Sep, 2012
-
Source: http://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/09/17/tip-sheet-5-ways-to-find-your-college-fit/?partner=rss&emc=rss
--
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com
Anda sedang membaca artikel tentang
The Choice Blog: Tip Sheet | 5 Ways To Find Your College Fit
Dengan url
http://motormodiftips.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-choice-blog-tip-sheet-5-ways-to.html
Anda boleh menyebar luaskannya atau mengcopy paste-nya
The Choice Blog: Tip Sheet | 5 Ways To Find Your College Fit
namun jangan lupa untuk meletakkan link
The Choice Blog: Tip Sheet | 5 Ways To Find Your College Fit
sebagai sumbernya
0 komentar:
Posting Komentar