Government and Community Relations
Speeches and Presentations
Students must be careful shoppers to pick college that best suits them Andrew Freeman Director of Admissions Democrat and Chronicle 11/25/2002 Every year around Thanksgiving, at least some students realize the college they chose is not the right fit. This realization can be traumatic because deciding to attend college–and choosing the right one–is the most difficult and significant decision many students have faced. Students who discover that their college is not what they expected suffer financially and emotionally. Most high school students spend significant time exploring strategies to finance their college choice and prioritizing the factors that will impact their choice. Students–and their parents–must evaluate many college characteristics, including academic quality, programs, job placement rates, financial aid and scholarship opportunities, campus facilities and atmosphere. What students and parents often don’t realize is how preconceived notions about college can affect them. Many students choose or eliminate a college based on emotional factors rather than on logical assessments. Attitudes are compounded by the flurry of college information students receive from a variety of sources. High schools coordinate college information nights. Magazines and other publications list and rank “Top Colleges.” Parents and counselors provide guidance. Colleges designate considerable budgets to market their message. And peers influence students’ decisions. I have three tips for college-bound students and their parents: · Be absolutely clear about which college characteristics are important to you and specifically define them. For example, instead of saying “The institution should be prestigious,” define exactly what you mean by prestige. If you mean Ivy League, then your choice will be different than if you mean “highly acclaimed.” · Carefully review the quality of information you have gathered. Separate what you know from what you guess to be true. Who do you consider to be experts? Peers? Magazine editors? Counselors? Parents? College representatives? What qualifies them to be experts? How much information is opinion? How much is fact? If your parent(s) attended college, does their passion for a school like their alma mater overshadow what is the best fit for you? How long has that college representative worked at that college, or is he or she a loyal alum occasionally staffing a recruitment table? How current or thorough is that rep’s information? · Once you have selected a college, be passionate and confident in your choice. Your success will be the result of listening to your conscience, believing in your dreams, and honoring your vision with hard work and commitment. Choosing a college should be wonderful and rewarding. Enjoy this exciting time in your life, and good luck! |
