Step 2: Branch out
Use Princeton Review’s “Other Colleges to Consider” feature to find some schools that are similar to the one that you think might suit you.College Board has a list of college types that will help you find other colleges of the same type (click here).
For example: University of California-Berkeley is Public University—large, diverse, and research-oriented. There are pros and cons to each type of university, and whether they actually are pros and cons is based on individual preference. Some people like the huge world of universities; others want a more intimate liberal arts college even if the facilities aren’t as expansive.
Interlude: The Stats That Matter
While you’re looking through rankings and numbers, be sure to pay close attention to the stats that are indicative of a good learning environment.
Class size or Student to Faculty ratio: The smaller this number is, the more individual attention you’ll get. Some colleges have managed to cut classes down to the point where even introductory courses are full of discussion. Others will leave you lost in the crowd.
Retention rate: How many freshmen return for sophomore year? Any number below 80% should be a warning unless you know the reason for the drop-outs and are confident you can overcome it. Some colleges are just brutal. Without good advisors to support the students, it may be difficult to get through even the first year.
% students who go to graduate school: This may be good or bad depending on your plans. If you want a career-oriented school that will launch you into a job immediately after your degree, a high percentage of students who go on to graduate school could mean that practical, vocational training is not emphasized. However, if you want a school where students debate philosophy and astrophysics for fun, then a high production of students bound for graduate school could mean you’ll find like-minded peers. Many schools are great for future professors and budding entrepreneurs alike, so don’t discount a diverse school based on this statistic.
| Previous | Back to index | Next |
