With colleges and universities everywhere you turn, it can be difficult to decide which college is the right one for you. Should you earn your degree in a different state? How about a different country? Or maybe you should earn your college degree online? There are pros and cons to every big life decision you make, especially in college. That’s why we’ve created this checklist – to help make your decision an informed and easy one.
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Scenery
You should earn your college degree from a school in which you feel comfortable. Some students question how they’ll know what they do or don’t like about a school. How can you predict if you are going to enjoy the colleges and universities you’re interested in or not? Simply. Do you like rural or urban environments? Do you want to attend a small or big school? How safe is the campus? Once you figure out the environment you want to earn your college degree at, plan a visit and see for yourself.
Connections
As you earn your college degree, you will make connections with peers, professors, and employers. You may work as an intern and make professional connections that could land you a full-time career. The college or university you consider attending could be the location you end up living in for a large portion of your life. If you earn your degree in a city you hate, you may have to learn to love it, which is why you should visit and research the colleges and universities you’re interested in before earning your college degree there.
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Obligations
Although the thought of moving out-of-state or out of the country may be appealing to some, is it practical? You may have children, close friends and relatives, and a career where you currently live. It is important to consider colleges and universities that will not cause you to give up your life to earn your degree. With online degrees and many colleges and universities to choose from, earning your college degree shouldn’t be as much of a sacrifice as it once was.
Reputation
Let’s say you are interested in earning your degree in Art. Before earning your college degree from just any art school, research the colleges and universities you’re interested in. Use search engines to research which art schools are the best in the nation or the best in the state you live in. You don’t have to attend the #1 art school, but you should shoot as high as possible.
Accreditation
Unfortunately, there are many colleges and universities that are not accredited. You don’t want to earn your college degree only to find out you can’t use it. Do your research and find out which colleges and universities are accredited and which aren’t accredited. There are many colleges and universities that will try to scam students, don’t be one of them.
Earning your college degree could take several years to complete depending on the program in which you’re enrolled. Don’t you want to spend those years in an environment you enjoy? And an environment that works for you and possibly your loved ones? Remember to focus on these 5 things when choosing which colleges and universities you want to earn your college degree from. Sure, this may take some time and effort but in the end it’ll be worth it.