Is The School A Good Fit?
When selecting a college you really need to figure out what is a good fit for you.
One idea to help determine what school will be best for you is to make a list of as many factors that you feel will play a vital part in your decision process (i.e. - School Rankings, Number of and Quality of Degree Options, Location, Facilities, Activities, Size, Costs, etc).  List those factors in order of what is most important to you, down to what's least important, and then, as you research each school, rank each of the schools you are considering in each of the categories.  This should help you compare the schools based off what will fit you.

Matching Goals To The Appropriate Schools
As you go through the process of researching schools, it is important to determine what are your career goals.  When you decide on what field you would like to go into.  Look into schools that have reputable degree programs in your field of choice and find out the schools rankings. 

Incase Your Goals Change
Keep in mind, many students begin a major and then decide that its not a good fit for them, so you should also consider the value of the other degree programs that the schools offer.  Its good to have other quality options available to you just in case you change your mind on the degree you're pursuing.

Gathering Information
Unsure where to start your research?  Its up to you, but a good starting point is the Internet and print material from the schools.  Check out the websites and college guides of the schools to get a good idea of what they offer, from degree programs to extra curricular activities you can be involved in.

Visit The Campus
If any of these sparks your interest go deeper.  If you're able to, visit the campus.  Spend some time there to find out if you like the atmosphere and the facilities.

Speak With Staff At The School
Talk to counselors at each of the schools your considering.  They can help you determine what you can get out of your experience if you should choose to attend their school.

Speak With Students At The School
If you can find anyone who is attending or has attended the school(s) your considering, talk to them about their experience and if (and why) they feel the school offers a quality education.

Campus Location
How far from home are you willing to go?  Its important that you are happy and feel comfortable where you are.  Keep in mind that, in most cases, the further your school is away from home, the fewer opportunities you will have to go home to visit.  If you are strongly attached to friends and family where you currently live, you may want to consider the schools in a closer radius that enable you to visit home more frequently. 

Considering the Costs
Though attending High-Priced Prestigious University can certainly be helpful in reaching your goals, it is not always necessary to land the job you desire.  When it comes to cost, try to get the best bang for your buck.   Determine the average salary range of what someone in your desired field is making and if having a degree from a certain school verse another will actually help you land a job in that field, then balance those factors in with your consideration of the costs of the education (i.e. tuition, books, housing, cost of living in the area where the school is located) to determine if the cost is worth it.  Don't forget to also take in consideration what type of financial aid and scholarships each one offers. 

*The information listed above is intended as suggestions for the pre-planning stage and not professional advice.  We do not guarantee that these tips will be helpful to everyone, as each person's situation varies.  Texas DPS Credit Union always recommends that you seek the assistance of a professional advisor.

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