Finding the Right School

Many students find that choosing the right college or university is difficult. By taking a closer look at your personal preferences, educational goals and what you want out of your college experience, the choice may become clearer.

With so many colleges and universities to choose from, how do you begin the rigorous task of choosing which school is right for you?  While your choices and options may seem unlimited, a little self-searching and research will usually yield a handful of schools best suited to your needs, educational goals, and individual preferences.

Take some time to consider the following recommendations as you begin this challenging and exciting stage of your life: 

Consider which type of school appeals to you.

• Do you prefer a large or small campus environment? While larger schools typically have more extracurricular activities such as sports, drama, fraternities and sororities, smaller schools may offer more personalized attention and lower student-to-teacher ratios.
• Does the school offer the academic program you are interested in? Ultimately, you need to consider which school will best meet your educational needs.
• Another consideration is distance. Do you prefer to be close to your family and friends or want to move farther away from home? 

Get some guidance. 

• Parents, older brothers and sisters, counselors and coaches can offer some great perspectives on choosing a school.
• While college might seem like a unique situation related only to you, others have made the educational journey in the past and can offer valuable insight. Learn from their successes and avoid past regrets. You’ll be further along in choosing the right school for you!

Take a tour.

When you’ve narrowed your options, visit the school.  While initial research can be completed with the aid of a telephone, educational materials, and the Web, experience shows nothing can replace an actual on-site visit. 

• Do you like the layout of the campus? 
• Are the dorm rooms neat and well kept?
• Does the school allow you to live off campus?
• If you prefer off-site living accommodations, are they numerous and affordable? 
• Don’t be afraid to ask faculty and students questions about everything from academics to social life. This is an important decision and you want to make the right one. 
• The admissions office should be able to answer simple financial aid questions about need and merit-based aid. If not, schedule a visit with a financial aid officer.

School expenses can vary depending on the campus you attend, the number of credits you take and your transportation and housing choices. The cost of attending college also is affected by your residency. Students who qualify as a state resident usually pay tuition at a substantially lower rate than do non-residents.

For contact information and estimated budgets for schools in ND, SD, MN, MT and WY, check out the document below.

2009-10 Regional College Information (PDF 566KB)

With a little homework, choosing the right school doesn’t have to be complicated. Decide your personal preferences, ask a lot of questions, and remember many resources are available to ensure your college years are positive and productive. Good luck!