What factors should a student keep in mind while selecting a college after class XII?

One of the important decisions every student should make after class XII is choosing a college. It is a crucial choice that influences the student’s personal and professional growth alongside academic career. It is a roller coaster cum nerve-wracking journey for the students. The process of making this decision can feel like a whirlwind of excitement, anxiety, and anticipation all rolled into one since the options are numerous. The student may wish to study at a famous foreign university or, perhaps, choose a local community college. However, several vital aspects must be considered in order to make a meaningful choice:

• Academic credibility and recognition

The college’s academic reputation is a matter of importance. In order to check whether the college meets specific standards set by an official higher education authority, the student should look into its accreditation. The value of the diploma and further education possibilities, such as credit transfer or graduate school, hang on it. These services suggest where a college stands in the country or internationally. 

• Curriculum and Courses

In order to search for a university with a good program in the field of interest, the student has to check the curriculum to ascertain whether it fits with their future career. For instance, if the student focused on engineering, they must search for the universities specializing in engineering, more important lab work. They need to consider how flexible the curriculum is. A more well-rounded education can be obtained from colleges that permit students to double major or minor in multiple subjects or that provide interdisciplinary programs.

• Teachers

The caliber and background of the faculty may have a significant impact on the educational process of students. To do so, students should explore biographies to understand the teachers’ credentials, research fields, and practice expertise. Active professors may contribute to a large number of networking contacts and up-to-date insights into ongoing changes in their industry.

• Resources and Facilities on Campus

The amenities of modern campus have a great impact on the college student’s learning experience and career. College students should be attracted to busy libraries, labs, technological and relaxation spaces in the afternoon. Wealthy universities can offer an academic and extracurricular advantage. This productivity may contribute to a more favorable academic atmosphere.

• Geographic location:

A college’s geographic area will have a major impact on student’s chances and way of life. While rural institutions are likely to provide a quieter and more focused environment, urban colleges are more likely to host cultural events and have more internships and part-time job opportunities. Also important to consider are the climate and distance from home.

• Fees and Assistance:

For most students and their parents, the cost of college is a big consideration. The price of living, book fees, campus accommodation, and tuition would all pile up. One must make it a priority to understand the entire cost and explore all options for financial support, including loans, work-study and scholarships. 

• Student life and campus culture 

Each college has its culture and social scene. In many cases, one can get a decent sense of what college life is like by visiting the school and speaking with existing students. Examining internet forums could also provide you with a better understanding of each school’s culture. If a student engages with the premise they’ll have a greater chance of obtaining work and internship possibilities and a modest amount of networking, social ability development in the process.

• Assistance Services 

Additionally, colleges also provide a broad range of support services. These services comprise of career counseling, mental health assistance & facilitate academic work, and tutoring. These support services exist to help students overcome personal issues or challenges in academic performance that may arise while undergoing college.

• Job placement and internships 

Strong industry linkages enable colleges to offer worthwhile internship programs and have better employment placement rates. It is possible to gain insight into how successfully a college assists its students in finding internships and jobs after graduation by looking into its career services and alumni network. 

• Opportunities and Exposure to the World 

As the world is becoming more and more globalized, international exposure has become  extremely vital. Colleges that offer study abroad options, summer schools, international internships, exchange programs can help students in developing a global perspective.

• Eligibility Conditions:

Last but not the least are the entrance requirements basis a students’ academic background. Different colleges and institutions have  different criteria for selection. Thus, a student should fairly estimate his/her chances of admissions and apply accordingly.
To summarize, selecting the perfect college/university is a very complex decision and one must make this decision very carefully keeping in  mind the above discussed factors i.e. evaluating the academic reputation, curriculum, faculty, facilities, location, cost, campus culture, support services, internships, global opportunities, alumni networks and admission requirements.

Since every student has different priorities, it’s critical to consider these aspects in light of each person’s demands and objectives. A well-considered and studied choice can open doors to success in the classroom, on the personal and professional fronts, and result in a fulfilling college experience.

Authored By

Dr. Neha Kumar
Assistant Professor
Department of Management & Commerce
Read more blogs here: https://www.ncuindia.edu/blog/