College Counseling To Guide In The Selection Process

By Jerri Perry


There are many individuals whom are trained in college counseling. These people can help potential students to find the appropriate higher education institution for their needs. The process of choosing a college goes far beyond simply meeting minimum standards for admission. Individuals will want to consider other important factors such as size, price, location, and areas of study.

The first step to choosing the right college is to be sure that all of the standards for admission are met. This means that the potential student meets the grade point average and standardized test scores that the institution requests. The advisor will then help the person to narrow down choices based on many other factors.

A counselor who is helping a person to navigate through many options will spend a significant amount of time asking their client to reflect on their personality. This will include exploring likes and dislikes, as well as dreams and goals for the future. It is very important that the future student of higher education knows themselves well. For many, this is the first independent decision that they will make. It is important that they are not too heavily influenced to choose a school based solely on their parents desires for them.

Size of campus is something to consider before making a final decision. A smaller campus often has the opportunity for more individualized attention, whereas it is easier to get lost in the crowd in a larger environment.

Another step in weeding out colleges is location. The counselor will help the individual determine how big or small they want their campus to be. The individual who likes a lot of nightlife opportunities may not find happiness on a campus that is surrounded by small towns and farms. Equally, a student who likes a small town environment may feel overwhelmed by a metropolis.

A student can never rule out price as a deciding factor. The counselor will help the potential student to understand what expenses will be paid for through scholarships, aid, and family contribution. This will help to determine what out of pocket expenses will incur. Because cost can be a determining factor, it is very important to consider this early on in the selection process.

The last step to making the decision is to visit campus. Potential students should gain an understanding of what it feels like to be a student. This means that they should take the time to explore student unions, recreation centers, dorm rooms, and eating areas. This will help them to know what current students do in their free time. If a person does not feel like they belong on campus than no matter how much of a match it is on paper, it may not be the appropriate fit for them.

College counseling can be a very useful tool when high school students are beginning their journey to the next chapter of their academic life. These advisers are well trained in the field of counseling, and can help students understand themselves and their goals, which will in turn assist them in make the most appropriate decision.




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