Choosing a college can truly be a daunting task. With close to 5,000 traditional colleges and universities across the country, there are a lot of choices. When choosing a college there are a few things that you can consider to make the process go smoothly and reduce the stress of the whole process.

To begin with, make a list of potential colleges. The big list should include every college that you might be willing to attend. Once you have a list, narrow it down by taking the time to consider all of the following.

Location – Does the location of the school matter to you? If so consider whether or not each college on your list fits your needs.

Degree Programs – Obviously degree programs matter. In this case you don’t just want to look at undergraduate degrees. If you did decide to further your education with a Masters or a Doctorate, does the school provide programs to suit?

Campus Resources – What resources does the school have to offer that will help you on your road to secondary education? Do they have labs for their science programs for example?

Academic Rankings – How does the college rate when compared to similar institution? Although rankings aren’t everything, there is usually a reason that the highest ranked schools have higher peer ratings.

Costs – Consider the costs involved in attending each institution. Tuition isn’t the only factor; you should also factor in the cost of food, housing, and any other activities that you plan to be involved in.

Class Sizes – A college with a smaller class size may be more difficult to get into, and they may have higher tuition costs. But, they also might give you a more personalized educational curriculum.

Housing Options – What options do you have for housing in the area? Do they offer on campus housing? If not, does the rental market in the area fit with your budget?

Faculty – Along with the school itself you should also look at the faculty. A good school will have full time, doctorate-qualified, professors.

The Student Body – Does the student body fit you? Does the campus have a diverse student population, with students from different ethnical backgrounds?

Admissions Counselors – It is always worth getting a second opinion. Talk to the admissions counselors at the school(s) you’re considering. You may even consider hiring an admissions consultant to help you choose the right school.

Taking the time to consider all of these elements when selecting a college will make the selection process easier. More than that, it will help you to choose the school that is right for you, and in turn help you to get the most from your college years.

Ross Blankenship is an admissions consultant and admissions expert. He is also an author and Founder of Top Test Prep.

Call (800) 501-PREP to begin your college admissions counseling program

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Even if money’s a problem, don’t give up on college—you can find a way to make it work. There are many scholarship and financial aid programs and other ways to find the money.

Scholarships
Scholarships are a great way to pay for college because you don’t have to pay them back! Diligent students have a good chance of gaining a scholarship. To increase your chances of getting the money you need by the time you graduate high school, start looking for scholarships during your junior year.

Most scholarship programs require applications. The process for applying can be as simple as sending an application form, or as complicated as writing a number of essays and providing detailed transcripts. Searching online is a good way to find scholarships.

• Merit-based
There are a number of merit-based scholarships available. Some pay your entire tuition; most pay a portion. If you’re a hard-worker with good grades and decent test scores, you can apply for merit-based scholarships, specific university scholarships and other nonprofit scholarships intended to attract talented students.

• Need-based
Need-based scholarship programs are for students in need of money for college. These are often run by colleges and are based on a combination of your income and your family’s income. Some are specific to a major or location. Research the need-based scholarship programs at the colleges you wish to attend to determine if you’re eligible.

• Other types
Along with traditional scholarships, you will also find state-run programs, business-run scholarships and money for students of specific religions or ethnicities. There are also special scholarships for your sports and artistic talents. Ask your school counselor for details, or visit nextSTEPmag.com/Scholarships.

Financial aid programs
Financial aid programs are another good way to pay for college. Usually combining grants and loans, they are often run on a first-come, first-served basis, so apply early.

• Government financial aid
To determine your eligibility for financial aid, such as grants and low-interest government loans, fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Familiarize yourself with this application before applying for financial aid.

• Other programs
Some colleges run their own aid programs aside from scholarships. These are specific to each school, so research the financial aid programs at the schools to which you intend to apply.

Other options

• Work
You can always work to pay for school, but be careful not to overwork. As a college student, you will already have a large amount of work on your plate.

• Accelerated programs
Some schools run accelerated degree programs that allow you to complete classes in a less-than-usual amount of time. These programs may help you graduate sooner, but you might find the pace overwhelming

Getting a college education can be expensive, but it is worth every dollar. Use these techniques to get started on your quest to pay for college. If you need more help, talk to your school counselor or the admissions office at a college nearby.

Ross Blankenship is Founder of Top Test Prep and an admissions consultant and admissions expert.

This article appeared in Next Step Magazine.

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