Picking Colleges

Colleges and universities in the US do not follow a single pattern. You have real choices when picking a college. When you take the time to explore alternatives, you
• Discover exciting options that you never dreamed exist
• Understand better what suits you
• Apply only to schools you know you like
• Become a stronger candidate

Many students and parents are unaware of the richness and range of possibilities. You may think the only major differences among colleges are size, location and how hard they are to get into. Your assumptions can needlessly limit which schools you consider.

For example, do you believe
• Curriculums are basically similar. The first two years you fulfill requirements in subjects such as science, humanities, social science, and then you pick a major.
• It will cost more to go to a private school than a state school.
• State schools are very large.
• With SAT scores below 1500 there is no point applying to an Ivy League school?

Consider this!

• Many colleges have absolutely no required courses or subjects other than your major. You choose whatever you wish from the catalog, as much or as little math or history as you like, or none at all. (Check out Amherst, Vassar, Brown.)
o Some schools go even further to allow each student to design his own education. Students “contract” individual programs of study with faculty mentors. Rather than emphasize preset courses and content, you focus on independent reading, research projects, tutorials, internships or field work. (Check out Hampshire College, New College of South Florida.)

• Many private universities generously assist students from families of low and moderate income. Some provide merit scholarships regardless of financial need. Your tab could be lower than at a public institution.
o A notable example: parents with incomes below $40,000 are no longer expected to contribute to the cost of their child’s education at Harvard.

• Some state schools have fewer than 5,000 undergraduates. Among them are Fort Lewis in Colorado, University of North Carolina, Asheville, Purchase College, State University of New York, Evergreen College in Washington State.

• Admissions officers at selective, private institutions often have more discretion than their state counterparts. Rather than fill entering classes with valedictorians and students with 1600 SAT scores, they look for applicants who distinguish themselves with their accomplishments, commitments and interests, and personal characteristics.
o Your essay, resume, and interview, and recommendations can be decisive.
o Do not necessarily write off a school because 95% of students have SAT scores higher than yours!