College Confidential - View Single Post - What is the most impt factor in selecting a college?

tk21769 · 05-05-2009, 07:14 PM

Assuming somebody can pay for it, and if I had to pick only one factor, which is hard, then I think it would be this:
the availability of excellent teachers to teach undergraduates in small classes.

Other important factors include a student body matched to your abilities, good facilities, and academic programs in your area of interest. A good social life, decent climate and location are nice to have.

Any of these can be compromised, up to a point, without necessarily preventing a good education. But if you don't have good teachers, or if the good ones do not teach undergraduates, or if you only see them in huge lecture classes, then forget it. You are there for a credential, not an education.

05-05-2009, 07:14 PM	#380
tk21769 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 1,379	Assuming somebody can pay for it, and if I had to pick only one factor, which is hard, then I think it would be this: the availability of excellent teachers to teach undergraduates in small classes. Other important factors include a student body matched to your abilities, good facilities, and academic programs in your area of interest. A good social life, decent climate and location are nice to have. Any of these can be compromised, up to a point, without necessarily preventing a good education. But if you don't have good teachers, or if the good ones do not teach undergraduates, or if you only see them in huge lecture classes, then forget it. You are there for a credential, not an education. Last edited by tk21769; 05-05-2009 at 07:21 PM.
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