THE BEST WAY TO FIND YOUR BEST-FIT COLLEGE PROSPECTS
By Vicki Johnson
IECA Member
Certified College Admissions Counselor
vicki.johnson@norcalsota.org
916.223.6757
Did you know that the freshman college dropout rate is currently at record highs, with some researchers asserting that as many as 40% of students dropped out this last year? Studies show that the most common reasons students drop out are financial challenges, lack of family or academic support, difficulty balancing life and college, or mental health or disability challenges.
To minimize the probability of dropping out of college, students should take the time at the end of their sophomore year to REFLECT on their personal needs so that they can find a learning environment where they will most likely thrive. Upon students defining their needs, they can effectively do the RESEARCH needed to find the college’s prospects that best align with their needs. To help with self-reflection, here are some questions you may want to consider:
THE ACADEMIC ENVIRONMENT
- Do you work better in a competitive learning environment or prefer a more collaborative learning style?
- Do you learn better in a smaller or larger class setting?
- Does the academic rigor at the prospect align with your learning style and readiness?
- Do the prospects you are considering allow you to modify the courses you need for your major, or is it a set 4-year plan?
- If you have a learning difference or disability, do the colleges you are checking out offer services, and if so, do they align with your needs?
THE SOCIAL/COLLEGE ENVIRONMENT
- Do the students on campus align with who you are?
- Do the students on campus have the same religious, political, and cultural beliefs as you?
- Is there a college town nearby, or are all social activities centered on campus?
- What types of clubs and activities are available to you on campus?
YOUR FUTURE
- Do the courses offered for your major align with your post-college career plans?
- Does the school or program of your major offer any internships?
- If your future profession relies heavily on professional connections, will the college you are considering help you?
- Are there any study abroad programs that align with your future goals?
- Does the school or program offer any career guidance?
YOUR FINANCIAL NEEDS
- What can your family afford to pay toward your college education?
- What are your institutional options for a scholarship at the college and within your major for a scholarship?
- If you qualify, do the colleges you are considering offer needs-based scholarships?
- Does the college offer students any work programs?
GREAT RESOURCES TO CHECK OUT!
- Informative spreadsheet sharing links that will help you find out more about the vibes of a college – College INFO – Virtual Tours
- Vibes on a college from the student perspective. – CampusReel.org
- Helps students find the perfect fit college – www.collegexpress.com
- College social media platforms
- Your favorite college admissions counselor!
HAVE FUN REFLECTING & RESEARCHING!