College/Universities: How to Choose?

Choosing the right college/university shouldn’t just be about where that school sits on the international rating scale or its geographical location. Perfect tertiary education is personal; it’s dependant on the course desired, personal interest and ability and future goals. The first thing student’s and their families want to think about in making the college university choice is, what are the student’s strengths and weaknesses and which are the most important programs of study, or in other words what occupation would be the right fit for this particular person.

Colleges and Universities offer different types of education. Many colleges will have a predominantly practical approach to a specific trade. These may include courses ranging from hairdressing to engineering to public health. So although the range is broad the courses offered are focused on a hands-on type, practical career, that will lead the student in a very specific direction.

Universities on the other hand offer theoretical subjects and study in addition to practical applications. Undergraduate students are given opportunities to study a range of subjects which might steer them in the direction of a band of graduate subjects or careers. Students who enjoy the classroom learning environment will enjoy the setting (lecture halls, labs and tutorials) of a university.

It makes sense to look at the kind of person the student is, their personal likes and dislikes and the type of learner they are before deciding what type of school they should attend. Once that is determined the next step is to find a college/university with a good reputation in the student’s chosen field of study. That doesn’t mean a decision about long term career options has to be made now but generally, some schools are well renowned for sciences, or technology or the arts amongst others. Choosing a school that excels in the student’s area of interest will ensure a top class education and facilities specific to that person’s interest.

Programs of Study

Colleges and universities offer different programs of study. Not all universities for example, offer a degree in physics or music. Although most universities will provide programs to attract a range of students it is important to research the programs offered when beginning your college university search. It is also important to note that not all schools offer degree programs within their prospectus.

Students need to decide whether they want to achieve at certificate, diploma or degree level when considering colleges/universities. That determination will have a big impact on course fees and the length of study at college, university. While some programs allow forward movement on course completion, for example it is often possible to go from a completed certificate course to a diploma course in the same field that is not always the case.

Choosing the Right Major

Choosing a major can be a major – dilemma that is! It doesn’t have to be that stressful though. Gearing studies in a certain direction is possible while still keeping options for future studies open. Most of us have a propensity for left or right brain thinking. That is to say if you are brilliant in English, Math is often not your thing and visa versa. Knowing this, college university courses can be chosen for skills right from early on in a student’s course of study.  

For the last years of high school students should steer their courses toward a general but somewhat specifically guided direction. Sciences combined with Math are good choices for those technical, logistical thinkers and Arts and Humanities topics are great for creative thinkers. Stick with this until you get to tertiary education and then choose colleges/universities based on their reputation in your chosen field.