It's almost like dating. Finding the right school – finding a college match – is something that doesn't just happen by itself. No matter how much you like that guy in your chemistry class, or that girl who plays on the soccer team, at some point you have to walk up and say, “Hi.” The same thing is true for finding the right college. You have to put a little thought and energy into it. Do some research and find out what the school is like. At some point, you have to decide which college is right for you and apply.
Figuring out how to find the right college can be a challenge – especially if you are relying on older college guides or on instinct alone. Don't do this! Your decision about where to apply and ultimately where you enroll is an important one – take it seriously! A great way to find a college is to use technology to help you. For example, WiseChoice has developed a college match system that helps students find and choose colleges that fit. You'll start by completing a personality profile that gathers all the necessary information about who you are. Then, you'll input your academic, athletic, career aspirations and any other goals you may have. The WiseChoice system provides you with a complete list of colleges and universities that are well-matched to you. Each school is given a match score depending on how well it is matched to you, and you will even find out your “odds of getting in” to each college. This takes an otherwise daunting task and delivers instant results.
After you receive and review your list of potential colleges and universities, you will want to read reviews of the schools and try to visit the campuses to compare the environments for yourself. Sometimes, a school that appears to match you perfectly - in terms of academics, career goals, activities, etc. - may not feel like the best fit when you get on campus. Each school has its own “vibe” and you want to make sure it fits your personality in order to have a successful and rewarding college experience. Don't think that just because your older brother or sister went to a certain college, or because you like their football team, a college is your right choice. You need to fully understand the culture of the school and how you, as an individual, will fit into that culture. You need the right college match.
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