Choices! Choices!

A helpful tool to guide your final college pick

What are some of the essential criteria to consider when making your final college selection?

Congratulations! You have been admitted to a number of great colleges, and now your college process is almost complete. But among the great choices in hand, you can only pick one school to attend. How to decide among your faves? Read on...

First, click on this link for a free download to support your decision making.

Next, honestly consider answers to questions such as:

How about distance from home and ease to go back and forth from college to home?
Is this the right size school for me? Consider classroom experiences as well as social development.
What about cost of the school over four years? Include room and board; travel; personal expenses; lab fees. It is ESSENTIAL to clearly understand the details of financial aid awards by speaking with the school's Financial Aid or Admissions offices,
Are there several potential areas of study for me at this school? What if I change my mind? How easy is it to switch into a different major?
Can I name at least three different reasons why I would be happy at this school over the long run?
What do I plan to accomplish here over four years?
How do I see myself fitting in socially at this school? Do I see students like me as well as students who may allow me to broaden my perspectives?
Does this school offer learning, academic or emotional support should I wish to partake of these services?
Do I feel safe moving about both on and off campus?
Where or how would I be challenged at this school? How do I see myself growing?

Spend some time considering what fit looks like for you both today and in the long run. What may have looked like a great choice several months ago may have moved up or down within your current list of priorities.

You likely have heard the saying, "A picture says a thousand words." If you visited campus and captured photos, have another look at those images as they will remind you of the impressions the school made on you. Then follow your gut wisdom and feel confident that your final choice is the right choice for you!

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Marla Platt, M.B.A. is an independent college consultant based in Sudbury, MA through AchieveCoach College Consulting, providing expert and personalized college counseling to students and families throughout the college planning, search and admissions process. Marla is a professional member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association and can be reached via www.achievecoach.com

Serving high school students in: Sudbury, Wayland, Acton, Groton, Hopkinton, Newton, Wellesley, Weston, Natick, Needham, Brookline, Bolton, Concord, Carlisle, Lexington, Framingham, Dover, Sherborn, Grafton, Hopkinton, Arlington, Cambridge and all of Metrowest Boston and New England.