Choosing the right college can be one of the most important decisions of your whole adult life. Not only will choosing the right college have a direct impact on your chances of success but it will also in many ways affect your chances of finding a job after you graduate. Here are some of the most common mistakes people make when choosing a college.
Being a Follower
How many people decide to enroll in a school simply because all their friends are going there? Even worse, how many people go to a certain school simply because they hear about it or because it has a reputation for great “extra-curricular” activities? Don’t make the mistake of following a friend or partner to their school. Depending on the program you choose, this could eventually come back to haunt you in the long run. While some schools do have great reputations for certain programs, they might not be best suited for your needs.
Another mistake people make is following in their siblings or parents’ footstep and choose their alma mater to continue their “legacy”. Again, unless the school you decide to go for has a solid program for your concentration, you should not go to a college simply to make your parents happy.
Choosing a College out of Spite
At the opposing end of the spectrum, some people might resent the pressure their parents put on them and decide to go to a college out of spite. This is another crucial mistake. In some cases, your parents’ concerns might be justified and the reasons why you may lean towards a particular college might be ill-founded. In some cases, parents do know best, so don’t rebel against them by picking a bad college for you.
Not Considering Online Options
There was a time when online colleges weren’t seen as legitimate, but things have changed greatly since online courses were first introduced. Many reputed colleges now have online programs that are as respected as any other programs out there. Rutgers Online, for instance, has a great online MPA program and their online MPA degree is accepted by most major institutions. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that brick and mortar institutions are your only choice, as there are many online classes to choose from including engineering and political science, all the way up to nursing and computer science.
Conclusion
As you can see, it’s pretty easy to choose the wrong college. But, whatever you do, don’t make the mistake of going to a college simply out of spite and in a spirit of rebellion. Also, make sure you consider online colleges as well, as they offer many options and are being increasingly recognized by most major organizations. And last but not least, don’t make the mistake of choosing a college simply because your friends or family attended, or based on student life. Choose a college that has a great reputation not only on national rankings but also for your specific concentration as well.
Track All Your Accounts With Personal Capital
Personal Capital lets you see all of your accounts in one convenient place. Sign up now for free.More from my site
Latest posts by Mr. 4HWD (see all)
- What are the Best UK Banks for Business Loans? - December 1, 2023
- Vacation Time Prevents Burnout - December 1, 2023
- 8 Products Made in the UK - April 16, 2023
Leave a Reply