College Counseling To Guide In The Selection Process

By Jerri Perry


College counseling consists of far more than simply helping a person to choose a college that will accept them. There are thousands of colleges and universities that offer a plethora of programs and opportunities. The task can be daunting if not attempted with clear direction and focus. Enlisting the help of a person trained to assist with the selection process can be very useful.

The process of college selection begins with grades and test scores. Many colleges and universities require a minimum academic standard be met. Matching one's academic record with that of the university will help weed out certain institutions. Once the initial list of potential universities is created, than the counselor can begin the next step of the process in finding the best match.

Personality is a key component of choosing the right place to obtain an education. Therefore, the counselor will spend an adequate amount of time exploring their client's attitudes, interests, goals and abilities. The more that the student knows themselves the better likelihood that they will choose a setting that is a good fit. Often parents play a large role in determining where their child goes on to college. It is the job of the advisor to help the potential student make independent decisions about their education.

One important aspect of the selection process is size. The future student will want to know whether they prefer a small or large campus. Smaller campuses may have more access to smaller classrooms that allow for more individualized attention. A larger campus may be filled with more lecture halls that consist of hundreds of students in an auditorium-like setting.

Also important to consider is location. Students should have an understanding of whether they prefer a small town or big city. Often wonderful institutions are housed around farmland and small towns. This may mean that student's off campus life is limited. However, there are some higher education settings that are built within a large metropolitan city where there is a lot of nightlife and excitement.

A student can never rule out price as a deciding factor. The counselor will help the potential student to understand what expenses will be paid for through scholarships, aid, and family contribution. This will help to determine what out of pocket expenses will incur. Because cost can be a determining factor, it is very important to consider this early on in the selection process.

Before a final decision is made it is important to visit the campus. This will be the last test of fit. Potential students should walk around on their own and absorb their surroundings so that they can gain an understanding about how they feel. Many times what looks good on paper does not feel right in reality. The choice of higher education institution will serve as home away from home for at least four years. Therefore, it is important that the person feel comfortable.

Enlisting the help of a person trained in college counseling can be very useful when making a decision. This professional can guide the individual from the beginning of the search until the end. The client will gain a better understanding of themselves, their goals and their desires.




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