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College Guide

2. Finding the Right College

There are many college choices in California. Key considerations to finding the right college for you may include location, majors available and student diversity. Selecting a college that fits your wants and needs is one of the most important factors in your success. Identify your priorities and then search for colleges that match them.

RESOURCE: Download the Higher Education Choices in California chart to help you find a college.

Questions and Characteristics to Consider

1. College Type

Do you want to attend a two-year or four-year college? Depending on the degree you want to receive, you may choose one over the other. Two-year colleges offer associate’s degrees and technical certificates, while four-year institutions offer bachelor’s degrees. Colleges are also categorized as private or public. Public schools are typically less expensive than private colleges because they are funded by state and local governments. They charge lower tuition to in-state residents. More often than not, private schools have fewer students enrolled than public schools do, meaning that class sizes will be smaller. Remember that both types of colleges offer financial aid that comes in many forms and that they will try to make it as affordable as possible for you and your family.

2. Size

How many undergraduates are enrolled? The amount of undergraduates can impact your college experience. Size can affect the amount of personal attention you receive, the majors offered, extracurricular activities, and resources available. Consider not only the total amount of students, but the number of students in the particular program you are entering. A small academic program in a large school may still give you a small college experience.

3. Location

Can your family afford to have you live on a campus away from home? If so, how far do you want to be? Do you prefer an urban environment or does city life not suit you? You will be investing two to four years of your life in college, so make sure you are situated in an area you will enjoy for years to come.

4. Major Available

If you are unsure what you want to major in, look for an institution that has a wide range of fields of study to choose from. Taking quizzes online may help you figure out what you want to pursue. If you are fortunate enough to know what you want to study already, look at the reputation that program has in the colleges you are considering. Look online or talk to people who work in that department.

5. Cost and Financial Aid

Attending a college or university is often expensive, but remember that institutions always work with their financial aid office to ensure that students who are qualified to attend can do so. Scholarships always help reduce that cost. Be sure to check with the school’s Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOP&S) office.

6. Campus Life

Strive for a balance between academics and social life.

7. Sports and Activities

College is a time to expand on the activities that you already enjoy, as well as try something completely new. Do your research to make sure the college or university offers what you are interested in.

8. Housing

Is housing on campus guaranteed for students? If so, for how many years? If not, where will you live? Would you like to live in a fraternity or sorority?

9. Diversity

Living in a diverse community can benefit you in so many ways. Consider how students’ backgrounds can be used as a learning experience. Don’t just look at the statistics. Find out what student racial and religious organizations are prevalent on campus to get a feel for the college’s diversity. You may want to consider a single-sex college as well. Think about whether you feel you would be comfortable in such an environment.

10. Ideal Campus

What are the characteristics of your ideal campus? Think about things such as activities, school spirit, how students are welcomed by the community and how dorms are assigned.

11. Admission Criteria

How selective do you want your college or university to be? Do you want most applicants to be accepted or just a small percentage? Check to see if the school you are looking at accepts AP/IB/CLEP credits and whether they require SAT/ACT scores.

12. Graduation and Retention Rates

The retention rate measures the percentage of students who stay after their first year. The graduation rate describes the proportion of students who stay until graduation. High retention and graduation rates show that most students are satisfied with the university and its academic programs, financial support and campus life.

Other Factors: Safe, Target and Reach

When applying to colleges and universities, choose schools that fall under three categories: safe, target and reach. For all colleges, you should have met all the requirements for admission, taken the average number of AP/Honors courses, met all the requirements for recommended coursework and have checked that your major is available.

1. Safe Schools

These are schools to which you would have been easily accepted in the previous year based on the college admission rates and requirements. This information can be found on the school’s website. Your SAT/ACT scores and GPA should be well above the average.

2. Target Colleges

These are higher education institutions to which you should have been admitted the previous year, and your test scores should be at or above last year’s average.

3. Reach Schools

These are colleges or universities that you would really like to attend. You may or may not have all the qualifications, so your SAT/ACT scores and GPA should be at or about the average accepted last year.

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