College Counseling As A Way To Find The Right Fit

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 first step to choosing the right college is to be sure that all of the standards for admission are met. This means that the potential student meets the grade point average and standardized test scores that the institution requests. The advisor will then help the person to narrow down choices based on many other factors.

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.

The size of campus is an important consideration. Knowing whether one is drawn to more intimate surroundings or whether they prefer a larger setting where they can easily be lost in a crowd is important. In a smaller environment a student will be noticed more, and often received more attention from classmates and professors. Conversely, large lecture halls where a professor does not know their students on an intimate level are more likely in larger settings.

Another step in weeding out colleges is location. The counselor will help the individual determine how big or small they want their campus to be. The individual who likes a lot of nightlife opportunities may not find happiness on a campus that is surrounded by small towns and farms. Equally, a student who likes a small town environment may feel overwhelmed by a metropolis.

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.

The last step to making the decision is to visit campus. Potential students should gain an understanding of what it feels like to be a student. This means that they should take the time to explore student unions, recreation centers, dorm rooms, and eating areas. This will help them to know what current students do in their free time. If a person does not feel like they belong on campus than no matter how much of a match it is on paper, it may not be the appropriate fit for them.

College counseling can be a very useful tool when high school students are beginning their journey to the next chapter of their academic life. These advisers are well trained in the field of counseling, and can help students understand themselves and their goals, which will in turn assist them in make the most appropriate decision.




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