Searching for the right college fit for each individual students needs, how can we better the process?
So we know all about the registration deadlines, or at least try to keep up with everything and the processes that go with filling out an application for college. But before this step, how do students find where they want to go? Some people just know from friends or family, or maybe from a college recruiter from local state schools etc. But for the most part, I would believe a great deal of students have a difficult experience searching for the perfect school fit for their unique needs. By needs I mean an overall attitude of their distinct beliefs, activities and personal preferences. If a student knows, or at least has an idea of want they would like their major to be, then how do they choose what school has the best program? This would lead to conversations with Guidance Counselors, and in this day and age the usage of the internet and ultimately a college search engine. It seems to me, and from personal experiences, not enough options or direction is presented during the initial college search process. By no means am I implying a lack of attention from guidance counselors. (They are some of the busiest teachers in school) But is there something we can do to better this process? I have used college searches and they seem to be full of fluff and somewhat a burden to navigate. Thoughts?
Posted by:
laynemc
Reply from:
SarahRubar Date: Nov 29, 2007 at 9:23 am
Reply from:
laynemc Date: Nov 29, 2007 at 8:19 pm
Thanks for the reply, I'm glad to see I'm not alone on this issue. It's not an end of the world kind of issue becuase people are finding colleges as we sit here, but an issue that needs more attention. In general, I think high school students aren't really presented with the best information and/or material about the specifics for college choices. A lot of 'mass' mailing info about the schools is presented due the simplicity of the method, but vital info for each school is left out. I guess college visits are a good method of getting a feel for a campus, but this is usually limited to local or state schools, unless they have the money to fly somewhere. But, anyway, there are still ways to improve the overall process of college selection by high school students. The search continues..
Reply from:
laynemc Date: Nov 29, 2007 at 8:19 pm
Thanks for the reply, I'm glad to see I'm not alone on this issue. It's not an end of the world kind of issue becuase people are finding colleges as we sit here, but an issue that needs more attention. In general, I think high school students aren't really presented with the best information and/or material about the specifics for college choices. A lot of 'mass' mailing info about the schools is presented due the simplicity of the method, but vital info for each school is left out. I guess college visits are a good method of getting a feel for a campus, but this is usually limited to local or state schools, unless they have the money to fly somewhere. But, anyway, there are still ways to improve the overall process of college selection by high school students. The search continues..
Reply from:
Ronald Fortune
Date: Feb 4, 2008 at 9:09 pm
Excellent question as my child waits to hear from colleges. One fact striking is most students like the colleges they attend. Furthermore, students can be successful (for the most part) regardless of the college they attend if they apply themselves and do well. Too much emphasis is placed on the "right" colleges.
Reply from:
Johanna Sorrentino
Date: Feb 5, 2008 at 2:47 am
This month the online magazine section of this website is featuring a "The Road to College" series for Freshman, Sophomore and Junior year to make sure kids stay on track, without stressing them out or pushing them towards something they don't want. The author is Lisa Mendelman. So stay tuned to our homepage, or search by "road to college" on the "articles" page under the magazine tab.
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