Mr. Will Wilson
Chairperson
Junior/Senior Guidance Counselor

Mr. Steve Blair
Sophomore Guidance Counselor

Mr. Albert Castillo
Student Life Guidance Counselor

Sr. Leandra Schaller, osf
Freshman Guidance Counselor

 

College Selection Criteria


The following factors should be considered in narrowing your focus of colleges to which you plan on applying:

Size

  • Large. Usually classified as having more than 8,000 undergraduate students. Typically offer more majors, activities, books in their libraries, computers on campus, and students in each class. Obviously, more students are competing for usage of labs and computers and leadership positions in extracurricular activities.

  • Medium. Usually classified as having 3,000 to 8,000 undergraduate students. Offer combination of small and large school strengths and weaknesses.

  • Small. Usually classified as having less than 3,000 undergraduate students. Usually offer small classes, more personal attention, fewer majors and activities, smaller libraries and computer centers, and greater opportunity for participation in student activities and/or sports.

Geography

  • In what area of the country do you want to be?

  • What type of climate do you prefer?

  • Do you want to be in a city, suburb, or small town/rural area?

Personality

  • Do you want a campus with liberal or conservative leanings?

  • Do you want your campus to be politically active?

  • Do you want a lot of diversity among the student population?

  • Do you want your campus to be a very friendly place?

  • "Fit" Do you feel comfortable here? Will you for four years?

Level of Selectivity

  • You are going to college to be intellectually challenged. Make sure that the students around you are as intelligent as you.

  • What type of student are you? Compare your GPA to the average GPA of students at schools you are considering. (Understand that this is not always reported 100% accurately.)

  • Strength of curriculum is as important as grades you receive.

  • Will the college’s academic reputation help you in the future with graduate school applications and job hunting?

Major

The vast majority of students enter college without having declared a major. This is not a problem for two reasons. Most colleges offer a wide array of majors from which to choose. And, most colleges do not require you to declare a major until the end of your sophomore year.

If you are certain of a major you wish to pursue, then major should be a factor in your decision making; if you are not certain, you can make an informed decision and find a good fit without considering a major.