Stepping Stones To College
Choosing A College
College Talk is a publication for
students and parents on topics related to college selection and admission. This issue
offers insights on choosing a college and is published by New Beginnings Career and College Guidance.
Choosing a college is best viewed as a process, a journey, and as the Chinese
proverb says, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." One
of the first and most critical steps in the college quest is self assessment. Take time to
think about your goals for your education and your future. Self knowledge will help you
sort out which colleges and universities have the programs, facilities and qualities that
will be best for you.
"Know Thyself" is the inscription on the Oracle of Apollo at Delphi, Greece (6th Century B.C.)
Sometimes, even with the most careful planning, thinking, reflecting and choosing,
students and families feel overwhelmed by the process. This is when a high school
counselor or sensitive independent advisor can bring clarity and knowledge to the college
search - and may be able to bring some balance to family confusion as well.
As there are no real "rights" or "wrongs" in this process, and
conflicting information and perceptions abound, parents and students are advised to
examine the following statements with a critical eye:
There are "good" and "bad" colleges.
This is not true.
Whereas some colleges are more well known than others, all colleges have good and bad
points and a college may be good in some disciplines and not others. The question to ask
yourself is: "Is this a good college for me?"
It is best to go to the most prestigious, toughest school you can get into.
This is not necessarily true.
Resist the pressure if you think you will end up struggling to survive. What is
important is that you go to the college that is the best match for you, and that you can
succeed in "... simple brand name recognition is not the wise or appropriate means
of selecting college." (K.S. Papenoe, Admissions, Princeton
University.)
There is one perfect college for me.
This is best answered by the following quotation:
"Avoid the all-too-common mistake of tying all your hopes to one college or one
group of colleges, or creating the perfect mythic place. That place usually does not
exist, and, in fact, most people can be perfectly happy at any number of colleges." (L.J.Momo, Associate Director of Admissions, Columbia University.)
