Ten tips for choosing a university
Three vital P’s: Professors, programs, price, Roseann O’Reilly Runte writes.
Attending university is a big commitment of time, effort and resources. So it’s no wonder that every year, high school students and their parents are worried about where to apply.
In Canada, we have excellent universities, but this just makes it like a multiple-choice question with no wrong answer. It comes down to finding the information you need to make the wisest choice for you.
Here are my top 10 tips for you to think about before you make that final choice.
1. Cost. The biggest factor in cost will be location. If you cannot afford (or do not want) to live away from home, your choice will be based on commuting distance. If you plan to live on or near campus, compare rental and residence costs.
2. Professors. Look at the number of professors in the program you’re interested in to be sure there’s a variety of courses to choose from. Check professors’ websites for their research focus. Does it match your interests? Do professors have degrees from other universities or have they worked elsewhere? It might mean they have a larger network that could help if you’re considering graduate school. Do they have business connections who might also be helpful?
3. Cutting-edge programs. Look for innovative programs that cross fields, like business and engineering or science and journalism. This will tell you about the school’s openness to new ideas, and may lead you into a fascinating field you hadn’t considered. Are joint programs and double majors/minors possible? In a competitive job market, a second major or minor gives you breadth.
4. Student and alumni success. What percentage of students graduate from your program of interest? What’s the dropout rate in the first two years? What career paths have alumni pursued? Look for this information on alumni websites and in the National Survey of Student Engagement scores available online.
5. Character. Do you want to be close to home or far away? Do you like the feel of a small place or large? If you choose a smaller campus, be sure they offer a breadth of programs.
6. Opportunities. Universities offer more than classroom experiences. Does your program offer international exchanges, work/study, co-op or entrepreneurship options, or development in areas such as leadership, public speaking or debating? Do you want a job on or off campus? Look at the school’s website and contact both student services and the student government for information.
7. Campus life. Read campus blogs for details on residence activities and clubs. Interested in sports? Look for intramurals. Aiming for a varsity team? Speak with the coach!
8. Facilities and services. Are labs and libraries welcoming and modern? Do they have evening hours? Think about residence options, including security, availability of campus health services and proximity to public transit and parking.
9. The setting. Visit the school last. It’s important to think about the questions above before falling in love with a campus.
10. Opinions. Consult your parents, teachers, guidance counsellors and friends. Roll up your sleeves and enjoy the privilege of thinking about your future. The more you reflect, the more likely you are to find you’ve made the best decision.