What is the most impt factor in selecting a college? - Page 2

patientlywaiting · 01-02-2005, 07:14 PM

1. location, location, location
2. must be in the top 100 National Universities list (i personally don't like LACs)
3. must have a football team, active greek life, good social scene

kinglin · 01-02-2005, 07:16 PM

Strong rank in business, and when I go there, I feel comfortable. That's all I really need.

Amused · 01-02-2005, 10:05 PM

"(according to the Princeton Review "often/sometimes prefer" section)"

The Princeton Review has decided to sacrifice accuracy in order to gain...um...well we don't know quite yet. But their numbers (or ambiguous descriptions) aren't very reliable. That being said, what you said is probably true.

allureNY86 · 01-03-2005, 07:37 PM

PatientlyWaiting,

the top 100 list doesn't cut it for me. i'd have to go to SUNY Binghamton. but that's just me. some LACs are better than the top 100 ntl universities list.

but i totally agree with location being an extremely imp. factor.

lastbastion · 01-07-2005, 11:20 PM

The right fit between a particular student and a particular school.

celebrian25 · 01-08-2005, 10:29 PM

I'm one of those people who has no problem throwing off a college I've fallen in love with when I find it doesn't meet one of my requirements. First, it has to be in the midwest or northeast, or somewhere where snow is very prevelant, and I can't do rural. Secondly, they MUST have my major, and I can't settle for less. Thirdly, they must not be stingy with merit aid/fin. aid. I am not in the position to pay a lot, and I've come to recognize this fact. These are by far the most important factors, both in selecting and choosing where I'll accept

allureNY86 · 01-09-2005, 12:49 PM

oh wow, that sounds basically like me. except not midwest for me, but all of the above are like my requirements. lotsa money, no nearby farms, and my major. perfect.

Woodwork · 01-09-2005, 07:10 PM

Taken in its totality you should know what's good for you. Not Prestige, location, climate etc.
If you don't have the wherewithall to make an intuitive+objective judgement you are not mature enough to be left alone to make the decision.

A little sincerity might be in order.

Take care of your self, not your image.

pokapamaz · 01-14-2005, 03:32 PM

The importance of location is WAY, WAY underrated. I lived in a small college town with only about 150,000 people without a car, and I spent hundreds of hours stuck at bus stops. It took 60-120 minutes to drop my laundry to a cleaner and come back home. If you grew up with subway/rail systems or don't drive, be sure to apply only to colleges located in large cities! Even if the academic quality of the college is good, if you need to spend 2 hours just for getting food each day, no wonder it affects your academic performance. And too little entertainment can also lower your grades.

Enjoipaintball6 · 01-21-2005, 02:52 PM

In response to Ubermensch on the first page, I hate Harvard. There are state schools that I would choose over Harvard, because I'm not the type of person who would attend school there. I hate Harvard and all it stands for. I think the most important factor is social environment, and whether you want to attend a party school, or a school where nothing ever happens.

Schwaby · 01-21-2005, 02:57 PM

Sports and athletics.

Yeah, I said it.

usna_reject · 01-21-2005, 03:40 PM

How about it looks good for a job I want after high school (like Lockheed Martin or NASA) or that probably goes along with prestige and major.

celebrian25 · 01-21-2005, 09:21 PM

The main factor should just be "Can I picture myself here for 4 years?" I mean truthfully, deep down everyone knows the answer to that question. I think it's so important to have at least 1 safety or more if financial concerns play in. Even at your safety, can you picture yourself spending 8 semesters or 12 quarters there?

ladylazarus · 01-23-2005, 06:44 PM

I really think fit is the most important factor in choosing a college, and that comprises an amalgam of different characteristics about a school. Each campus has its own distinct atmosphere that's difficult to quantify, but can make all the difference in your overall college experience.

golubb_u · 01-24-2005, 04:22 AM

For a lot of people, the Ivy allure is irresistible!!...it gleams like gold in a pirate's eyes. Many adults I know feel that having an Ivy League education can make a profound difference in the future, and will unlock the doors to prosperity and success.