Michigan State University
Content
Considering “Fit” in the College Selection Process
Dr. Patricia Croom Associate Director for International Admissions Michigan State University
Background
• Identifying a university from over 4000 choices in the U.S. along can be overwhelming • Many students focus narrowly on a small set of institutions • Research shows students perform better on campuses where they are connected and supportive have positive relationships with faculty and other students, a major part of fit.
Aspects of Fit
• • • • • • • Academic Programs and Opportunities Financial Requirements and Support Institutional Characteristics Location/Setting Special Considerations Extracurricular Opportunities Campus Life and Culture
Academic Programs and Opportunities
• Does the institution have the field(s) of study that interest me? • What kinds of degrees does the institution offer? • What are the other degree requirements and how do those fit my interests and learning style? • What kinds of on- and off-campus options are available? • How does the selectivity of this institution align with my academic profile?
Financial Requirements and Support
• Students need to be realistic about how much they can afford to pay and/or what level of financial support they require. • Consider total cost of attendance for duration of program, anticipating inflation. • Recognize that “sticker price” may not be the actual price paid. • Research scholarships options—what kind, how much, how long, and requirements.
Institutional Characteristics
• Type of institution (community college, liberal arts college, research university) • Private or public institution • Size of institution • Specialized schools, single-sex schools, historically black universities, religious-based institutions • Support for international students
Location/Setting
• • • • Part of the country (be open!) Climate Large city/urban, suburban, small town Availability of activities (outdoor recreation, professional sports, etc.) • Proximity to friends and family • Campus living options
Special Considerations
• Universities that may be supportive to students with special needs, including health issues, mobility issues, learning disabilities, other disabilities. • Division I or II athletes • Need for additional English language support • Honors programs
Extracurricular Opportunities
• • • • • • • Clubs and special interest groups Sports (competitive or recreational) Community engagement opportunities Study abroad and study-away Other programs in the community On-campus work options Internships and other experiential learning
Campus Life and Culture
• “Campus Feel” • Student body diversity, perspectives, engagement, interests • Campus traditions • Social focus, including “Greek life” • Support for students interests (faith-based, GLBT, political activism, etc.)
The Search Process
• Assess academic interests and career goals • Assess (realistically!) academic profile • Identify schools to research with help of college websites, search tools, college fairs/visits, Education USA, counselors. • Join mailing lists and get more information! • Narrow the list using criteria noted here • Identify schools as reach, likely, and safety schools to keep choices open
Apply!
• Be sure to meet deadlines • Good research and understanding of the institution up front should result in a stronger application • Continue to pay attention to information from the institution. Where possible, talk to students and alumni, visit institution of do virtual visits, read blogs, etc.
Making the Final Selection
• Hopefully, student will have multiple choices! • Good research up front should mean several good options later • There is no one perfect place—we are working to optimize choices
Summary
• Good fit involves multiple factors • Students need to evaluate themselves and their needs, being realistic and yet open to new options • Doing research up front will help in the application and selection process • Education USA is there to help!
Thanks for Listening!
Dr. Patty Croom Michigan State University http://beaspartan.msu.edu [email protected]
Dr. Patricia Croom Associate Director for International Admissions Michigan State University
Background
• Identifying a university from over 4000 choices in the U.S. along can be overwhelming • Many students focus narrowly on a small set of institutions • Research shows students perform better on campuses where they are connected and supportive have positive relationships with faculty and other students, a major part of fit.
Aspects of Fit
• • • • • • • Academic Programs and Opportunities Financial Requirements and Support Institutional Characteristics Location/Setting Special Considerations Extracurricular Opportunities Campus Life and Culture
Academic Programs and Opportunities
• Does the institution have the field(s) of study that interest me? • What kinds of degrees does the institution offer? • What are the other degree requirements and how do those fit my interests and learning style? • What kinds of on- and off-campus options are available? • How does the selectivity of this institution align with my academic profile?
Financial Requirements and Support
• Students need to be realistic about how much they can afford to pay and/or what level of financial support they require. • Consider total cost of attendance for duration of program, anticipating inflation. • Recognize that “sticker price” may not be the actual price paid. • Research scholarships options—what kind, how much, how long, and requirements.
Institutional Characteristics
• Type of institution (community college, liberal arts college, research university) • Private or public institution • Size of institution • Specialized schools, single-sex schools, historically black universities, religious-based institutions • Support for international students
Location/Setting
• • • • Part of the country (be open!) Climate Large city/urban, suburban, small town Availability of activities (outdoor recreation, professional sports, etc.) • Proximity to friends and family • Campus living options
Special Considerations
• Universities that may be supportive to students with special needs, including health issues, mobility issues, learning disabilities, other disabilities. • Division I or II athletes • Need for additional English language support • Honors programs
Extracurricular Opportunities
• • • • • • • Clubs and special interest groups Sports (competitive or recreational) Community engagement opportunities Study abroad and study-away Other programs in the community On-campus work options Internships and other experiential learning
Campus Life and Culture
• “Campus Feel” • Student body diversity, perspectives, engagement, interests • Campus traditions • Social focus, including “Greek life” • Support for students interests (faith-based, GLBT, political activism, etc.)
The Search Process
• Assess academic interests and career goals • Assess (realistically!) academic profile • Identify schools to research with help of college websites, search tools, college fairs/visits, Education USA, counselors. • Join mailing lists and get more information! • Narrow the list using criteria noted here • Identify schools as reach, likely, and safety schools to keep choices open
Apply!
• Be sure to meet deadlines • Good research and understanding of the institution up front should result in a stronger application • Continue to pay attention to information from the institution. Where possible, talk to students and alumni, visit institution of do virtual visits, read blogs, etc.
Making the Final Selection
• Hopefully, student will have multiple choices! • Good research up front should mean several good options later • There is no one perfect place—we are working to optimize choices
Summary
• Good fit involves multiple factors • Students need to evaluate themselves and their needs, being realistic and yet open to new options • Doing research up front will help in the application and selection process • Education USA is there to help!
Thanks for Listening!
Dr. Patty Croom Michigan State University http://beaspartan.msu.edu [email protected]
