Choose the Right University for You in 8 Easy Steps!


Friday, 02 October 2020

When it comes to choosing the University in which you will be spending a significant amount of time, it is important to consider certain aspects that will help you choose wisely. There are so many options available that it can be difficult to choose the right fit for you. Let us help you in this difficult decision by providing you with some steps that will guide you in your choice.



Earning a university degree will provide you with more opportunities to stand out from the crowd when competing for promotions or new job opportunities and to succeed. If you are considering going to college for an undergraduate or graduate degree, you should bear in mind that it will help form you academically, professionally and personally. 

When choosing the university to which you will attend, there are many factors that you should keep in mind. Whereas checking rankings and best universities' lists is important, it is only one place to start when finding the right fit for YOU! 
 
The level of national or international recognition that a University has is not the only thing that you should focus on. There are many other aspects of a student's life to consider when choosing the right University. You should base your decision on your academic interests, social activities, hobbies, extracurricular activities, among others. A wise decision entails a long process.

Below you will find some steps will guide you in your decision making process and will help you find the university that benefits you the most:


1. Narrow down your options.

Focus on what you are looking for in a university. Depending on that, try to write a list with the universities that meet all of your requirements. You can start by considering the following aspects:
  • Location
  • Enrollment size
  • Majors and programmes offered
  • Student and staff population diversity
  • Opportunities outside of the classroom
  • Cost
  • Selectivity

If you focus on these factors, you will have a short list of universities that meet all your needs.

2. Develop your own ranking

Basing your decision on an objective ranking that focuses on general aspects will just allow you to choose a university that is prestigious, but it may not be the right fit for you. 

Making your own rankings will help you find out which are your priorities. Weigh the pros and cons of a particular University and consider your own wants and needs since you will be spending a significant amount of time and money earning your degree, so you better make sure your choice is right for you.

3. Avoid procrastination at all costs.

Procrastination is not advisable in any situation, but in this specific one, it would be the worst thing to do. Depending on the University, application deadlines will vary. That's why it is important to start your choosing process by the start of your last year of secondary school in order to make sure you neither rush to a decision nor miss the deadline.

4. Ask all the questions you have.

Make sure you don't leave anything unanswered! If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact the Universities you are interested in and ask the questions that have been burning up your mind and that are important to you.

5. Focus on your goals.

You should ask yourself: Where do I see myself in four years' time? And in ten? 
These kinds of questions will help you sort out your interests and preferences. 

6. Look at the departments that offer the degree you want to pursue.

The fact that a University is ranked in the top 10 doesn't mean that the degree you are interested in is as well. You should focus on the department that offers your preferred degree and see its overall standing if you want to make a wise decision. 

You need to do your own research because there may be some options you did not even consider because they were not “top” universities, but they may end up surprising you. 

7. Investigate each University’s Industry Connections.

You should choose your University focusing on your future. Considering you will be studying for some time and that you will spend a significant amount of money on your degree, you need to make sure the University you choose will give you the possibility to work in the job you want! Ask about the University's connections related to your degree.

8. Remember: rejection is normal.

Being rejected from a University that is one of your top choices can hurt but don't allow it to make you give up. Your short list of universities will help you find another institution that suits your needs and wants as well.




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