<p>I belive it is very important that the university I go to is strong in the mayor I plan to study and that it is ranked as a top university overall, and it is also important that it has a good athletics organization on Division I. I also consider that finanacial aid is an important fact to consider when choosing a college when you are a common international student.</p>
<p>THE COST IN THE UNIVERSITIES ARE PROBABLY THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR BECAUSE IF YOU GET INTO AN ivy BUT YOU CANOT AFFORD IT YOUR SCREWED SO THE FINANCIAL AID IN THE COLLEGE MUST AND beter de GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD</p>
<p>Also The Prestige Is Importatn When You Are Going To Start To Work, Becasue If You Do A Good Job In A Crappy University You'll G Probably Getr A Crapy Job But If You Get A Head In A Good College Even An Ivy Youll Be Recognized And People Will What To Give You Jobs</p>
<p>Everyone has their own important factor, it all depends because many at looking a place where all their friends are going while others want to get a place where they can secure their future more easily. Their always is that one person that is looking for sports in their college, which of course are seeking a future in their own sport.</p>
<p>I don't know if this has been addressed in the previous 11 pages, but why isn't quality of social life listed?</p>
<p>I think the poll results about the number of people caring about school prestige are unfortunate.</p>
<p>Having been in the work force for 30 years, and having a couple of post graduate degrees, I have found that in many fields, (notable exception business schools..), the prestige of the undergraduate school is not nearly as important as graduate school. -- and you can get into exceptionally good graduate schools with a great undergraduate record from a less prestigious schools.</p>
<p>Doesnt matter if you feel conftorable: college is about doing new things and finding out WHO you really are.</p>
<p>Go to the best school not only for you major, but possible alternatives. College is supposed to feel "unconftorable" at first; get over it.</p>
<p>This poll is missing a very important factor: opportunity.</p>
<p>I definitely think Prestige is an important factor</p>
<p>
[quote]
Also The Prestige Is Importatn When You Are Going To Start To Work, Becasue If You Do A Good Job In A Crappy University You'll G Probably Getr A Crapy Job But If You Get A Head In A Good College Even An Ivy Youll Be Recognized And People Will What To Give You Jobs
[/quote]
Its great that you post that without much support from actual bosses... it might get you in an interview, but all notions of the prestige of the school vanishes once you step into the interview room... Plus, you won't be able to keep the job if you don't have the necessary hard and soft skills... </p>
<p>If you are looking to get a job and go to grad school, then the prestige of the grad school is much more important.</p>
<p>I am having the trouble of picking Reed College over Berkeley. I didn't really feel like I "loved" it when I visited Reed, but I felt like a small liberal arts college instead of a typical "jump on the bandwagon" school like Berkeley where EVERYONE I knew was going, would be more beneficial for me. However, I am having trouble swallowing my pride... I know I'll like it at either school and obviously Reed is more expensive, but dang, I think there's a reason why Reed is expensive. You get what you pay for... I'm so scared to try walking that path less taken. :(</p>
<p>From the standpoint of being happy there - it's finding other kids you feel rapport with.</p>
<p>In education terms, it's having professors who really take an interest and make you think.</p>
<p>In career terms, it's having good internships and practical experiences before graduation.</p>
<p>The most important factor in selecting a college for me would have to be the tuition and costs. If you can't afford to pay them, it's kind of hard to attend them.</p>
<p>afford is a pretty relative term. some people consider taking out loans affording, others don't.</p>
<p>Definitely the good vibes. Undergrad is about feeling comfortable and dominating your classes while also having an awesome time. After that, going to a prestigious grad school will follow naturally. No need to obsess over prestige in an undergraduate school.</p>
<p>I agree with you, indiejimmy. If you don't feel at home, everything else tanks.</p>
<p>^Yea, that's the reason why I chose Tufts over georgetown. I did not feel at home when I visited georgetown (disliked it) and I loved Tufts.... Plus, it recently opened new music facilities and is strong in the sciences.</p>
<p>Most important factors in selecting a college: teaching (why you go to college in the first place), and community (what will make you happy while you're there). From my perspective, the survey list are all secondary reasons to select a college, some of which might fall into the sub categories of teaching (academic strength) or community (good vibes). If you're worried about a school's prestige, you're focusing more about what other people think, not necessarily what's right for you.</p>
<p>Remember that those 4 yrs in college are four years of your life - go somewhere where you'll be happy - that's the most impt factor definitely.</p>
<p>i didn't read through every post, but the one that is currently before this says it all -- its about being happy where you are -- its 4 years, potentially some of the greatest of your life, and you need to be able to enjoy yourself, balance school life with your social life, and be glad you did it when its all over.</p>