<p>“Many people on this board have skewed perceptions on colleges, and reality as a whole…”</p>
<p>I agree. What about the kid’s happiness? Doesn’t that matter?</p>
<p>Return On Investment (not listed)</p>
<p>@shygirls – can you tell us the name of the college you attended? It wouldn’t be UNC Chapel Hill, by any remote chance?</p>
<p>Happiness is the most important factor. I have always been angry whenever my parents would talk about “it all depends on how much money it is/you get” No! My elder sister went to OU because she received a scholarship and she is one miserable person. She constantly drives home on weekends and frequently calls to complain/describe how unhappy she is. Bottom line, if you can’t see the college as your home for the next four years, do not go.</p>
<p>is there a tally of the factors listed above in this thread so that one can see at a glance what people think are the most omportant factors in picking a college?</p>
<p>As a college prof, myself, I think that one of the most important factors (and it’s not on the list) is the size of classes and the ability to interact with faculty instead of T.A.s. Of course, some kids may do ok in a very large class with small discussion sections taught by T.A.s But I think that with the distractions of electronic gadgetry, students can easily lose focus in a large lecture setting. When the prof knows your name, knows whether you’re in class or not, and can easily see what you are doing, students have a better chance of being engaged (or have having the prof bring them back to the task at hand!)</p>
<p>I would’ve answered academic strengths in majors (there are two majors I’m interested in; not sure which one to pursue). </p>
<p>check out my thread <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1060060-colleges-im-interested-can-i-get-into.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1060060-colleges-im-interested-can-i-get-into.html</a></p>
<p>You have to choose the college that is right for you and you only; not your parents or anyone else. Also, when you visit a campus, you have to make sure that you can see yourself going there. You will probably be spending the next four years of your life there, so it’s important to choose the college that is right for YOU.</p>
<p>The most important thing I look for is a strong engineering program. Study abroad is also a must for me. Double majors (I plan on double majoring mechanical engineering and aero/astro, with a minor in German language), work-study co-ops, and honors programs are preferable. Prestige and recognition is a plus in that it might make finding a job easier, but it isn’t a priority. I would prefer my college to be far enough from home that commuting isn’t an option, and it would be cool if there wasn’t excessive heat, but those are more like bonuses for me than requirements.</p>
<p>in my opinion the most important to consider is ur chances to get jobs once u get the college degree. whether the probability is very high or just normal. e.g. some colleges like [VISTA</a> COLLEGE](<a href=“http://www.vistacollege.edu/online]VISTA”>http://www.vistacollege.edu/online) offer life time placement opportunities. </p>
<p>secondly the reputation of their teachers…</p>
<p>Very important factors for me:
-Outstanding and practical career-based education in major & unique/innovative curriculum (most essential!)
-Big city school (networking & job/career opportunities)
-Social atmosphere and faculty vibes (if I don’t like the teachers in my major, I’m not going!)
-Diversity (multicultural; not solely a “Christian school,” etc.)
-Far from home (I want to get out of Virginia!)
-Prestige in either Liberal Arts academics or major program (I apply myself, so I would like to be surrounded by people who do the same.)
-Small class size (seminar/discussion-based is a plus)
-LD accommodations/counseling (help for students with ADHD)
-“Wellness” housing (Dorm atmosphere 100% free from drugs/alcohol)</p>
<p>If all/most of this is present, the happiness will definitely come with it! I am very grateful that I don’t have a limiting financial situation, although it might become limiting if I choose one of my top choices: a 5-year program in New York City!</p>
<p>The best education factor</p>
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<p>Anybody who selects a school based almost entirely on reputation is just an idiot.</p>
<p>Granted you want to go somewhere that you’ve truly earned and not sell yourself short (get the most out of your credentials), but college is about what’s best for YOU - not what the “experts” and numbers say.</p>
<p>Money is a huge factor for many when looking to get just a 4-year degree. Sometimes it makes more sense to go this route than to simply select the school that sounds or looks the best on paper, as long as the reputation/connections isn’t a huge discrepancy.</p>
<p>perhaps it would it all be much easier if we got a list of relevant programs and colleges based on our level of competence, or rather, our type of competence. </p>
<p>i’m almost 25 and i’m pretty confused about what career i should choose on!
anyway.
for me, its the fame that matters. if i have to be a pilot, i want to go to the most famous pilot training school. thats it.</p>
<p>For those who say strength in Academic departments…say you’re interested in Astronomy. Would you really reject an offer from Harvard or Yale to go to UC Santa Cruz, which one of the best departments in the world?</p>
<p>How can you, as a high school brat, know what exactly you want? Do you want me to remind you why 90%+ of high school relationships fail simply because the girl or the boy don’t know what they want?</p>
<p>Wouldn’t you want to go to a school that is strong overall to explore your options and THEN specialize for grad school?
Prestige, which stems from overall academic strength, matters. You can still advocate prestige without being a prestige whore.</p>
<p>How can you, as a stranger on the internet, rule out that ‘10%’ of kids? I can see your point, but a kid should go after what they want and what will put them in the best position to learn and develop into something that they will be proud of…if they know what they want. Again, can’t rule that out. To use a similar example, though high school relationships may not always work out, at least 3 of my friends’ parents have been married as a result of a long standing high school relationship. However anecdotal this may be, it still challenges the tone that you used regarding that particular example.</p>
<p>Again, your idea is VERY relevant. So relevant that its almost idealistic. My experience is limited, as I have only dealt with kids in a few states during my high school career. most kids I have talked to about similar subjects don’t rationalize an Ivy league/etc. school like you do, however. Most of them ARE prestige whores. To add another thing, prestige does not necessarily stem from academic strength. There are so many additional factors involved. Really, a short study of socialization can show you where that perceived prestige stems from.</p>
<p>I like your point, but I just can’t advocate considering prestige much if another program can put someone in a better position to fulfill their goals…but then again, a lot of kids need their goals reevaluated.</p>
<p>Important to me:
How good the education is for my major.
Where it is.
And how expensive.</p>
<p>Hey, as long as you can find a job/graduate school after college, right?</p>
<p>Hi All,</p>
<p>In my opinion, best college is that which provides best education, have good infrastructure and insure students after completion of their courses they get placed in good companies.</p>
<p>Thanks</p>