1) What do you want to study? First and foremost make sure the colleges you are considering include your intended major. Compare the schools strengths in that major and check out the placement rates. An alternate course of study for backup is also a good idea. It’s easier (and cheaper) to switch majors than it is to change colleges. Thinking of studying abroad? Your field of study, such as a foreign language major, may require a semester abroad for optimum success? Weed out colleges that do not meet your “must have” list.
2) Where do you want to live? Are you more comfortable in a large urban setting or content in a smaller rural area? Consider the housing options. Weigh the pros and cons of living on or off campus if you have the choice. How far do you want to be from home? Make sure you are factoring in travel expenses for home visits.
3) Compare the college’s on campus activities. Be an active member of the campus by participating in intramural sports, pledge the Greek system or participate in student run organizations and clubs. Research and compare each colleges’ offerings. Being happy and fulfilled outside the classroom is essential to your overall success in college. Remember the campus visit. How did you feel walking around the grounds and through the buildings? Could you see yourself in that campus culture for the next 2 to 4 years? Perhaps it would be wise to do a second visit to help solidify your decision.
4) What can you afford? Cost plays a big role in every college decision process. Be careful not to rule out any colleges based on the sticker price. Many times they will offer scholarships and grants based on need and even merit to help cover the cost. Remember, for most types of financial aid, you only get it if you apply for it, so be sure to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before the colleges’ deadline. Send your FAFSA to all colleges you are interested in. After you complete the FAFSA the college will provide an award letter. The award letter is an outline of all financial aid being offered or suggested to you and shows remaining out-of-pocket costs. Use Iowa Student Loan’s online tool called the College Funding Forecaster. This interactive resource helps you make more informed decisions about higher education by estimating your total out-of-pocket expense for a college degree from this point forward, and the amount you and your family may need to borrow to pay for it, based on information provided on your college's award letter.
http://www.iowastudentloan.org/smart-borrowing/college-funding-forecaster/college-funding-forecaster.aspx
5) Ask for help. Don’t think you have to do this on your own. Your counselors, parents, and teachers are here to help you. Make an appointment with your ICAN advisor. We can help further evaluate your list of colleges based on factors most important to you.
Jessica - ICAN Ankeny Center
