<p>I agree with you about intended major -- most people will change their major. But that doesn't change that people want a good program in what they at least think they want to study. This might not be the best approach, because they may change their major, but you can understand where they are coming from. Perhaps a better thing to do would be academic strength in an area, such as the natural sciences, or something. </p>
<p>I really disagree with you about location, however. Location is a plus to any school (that is, if it's a good one) and can be a deal breaker if it's a terrible one, but ultimately, most college students spend most of their time on campus and within the community built there. I dont think location attracts a certain kind of student nearly as much as the atmosphere of the school itself, it's goals, its philosophies, etc.</p>
<p>you have to think about your whole entire future. At the beginning of my jr year, I told my counselor that I wanted California or Florida ( i go to school in VA). BUt then I realized, I want a to work/have a life on th east coast, simply because of proximity to my family and other opportunities. Picking a college because it is "sunny" will only feel right for the short term, you have to take your professional life into consideration.</p>
<p>I urge you all to look at what percentage of the faculty is tenure track and full-time. MAny schools have an extremely high percentage of adjuncts -- some of whom are terrific and some of whom are probably unemployable in other contexts and fields. There is very little regulation of course content and faculty training in universities and colleges that use up to fifty percent part-time and untenured faculty. I don't think I could send my kids anywhere where I hadn't actually met at least one faculty member.</p>
<p>momzie's got a good point. I went to a school for a freshman year and had half of my classes, if not more, taught by BRAND new temporary faculty, many of whom could not teach at all.</p>
<p>"prestige".
i hate when people talk about reputation but people are being constantly judged throughout their entire life. that being said, i highly respect "prestigious" schools.
i don't specifically know why; i just do.</p>
<p>Unfortunately prestige matters A LOT. Prestige is like any other consumer brand. Buy Nike or a no name-but-good-quality-product? Buy a Ferrarri or a decent, economic car?
The same dilemma all over again</p>
<p>location - where do u want to spend the next 4 years of your life</p>
<p>prestige should be at the bottom of the list. I'm not saying go to some community college, but don't go to a school because OTHER PEOPLE think its good. Go to where YOU want to go</p>
<p>Indeed, presitige is helpful on a resume and during an interview, but you can also attend a presitigious school with the kind of atmosphere you like and are can easily get accustomed too. It makes no sense to go somewhere you dislike just for the name. The best of both worlds.....name and credentials AND...a likeable atmosphere. My opinion of course.</p>
<p>why are
*Academic strength in my intended major.
Good vibes...felt at home. *
italicized and not
Prestige, overall academic ranking or reputation.</p>
<p>I am an international student, so I focus on any school that offers a significant amount of financial aid for intl students. Of course, all my intended school must meet my future career.</p>
<p>prestige is what counts in good opertunities reaching you. McCombs may be good(hypothetically speaking) but wharton could be worse, top jobs dont come to low shools as much as prestigious schools.</p>
<p>Whered you go?
"Community college"
ok, you can be the janitor</p>
<p>Whered you go?
"Harvard"
Hmm, impressive, you got the job!(good job)</p>
<p>Slightly exagerated but the concept is true.</p>