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I'll answer your question with a question, what is important to you in a college/university. That is going to vary for everyone. Mainly, however, you want to make sure the school is a match for you for your intended major or majors--after that, it could be size, location, cost, sports or not, etc, etc, etc.
Then you probably want some kind of a school that allows you to take classes in a variety of areas. Liberal Art colleges would be a good place to start. I would also talk to the people at your community college and ask to take some career interest tests to see what careers would be good for you.
There are a lot of things to consider. One of the ways that I was able to get a better feel for a school was by staying overnight there. If you aren't going to be living on campus, I would still visit the school.
I think there are many factors involved in choosing a university. The answers as to what to look for vary by individual. A few things to consider:
1. Do they have a program you are interested in studying?
2. Are you likely to get admitted to the school?
3. What size school do you want?
4. Do you want to live on campus or off campus?
5. If you NEED on campus housing is it guaranteed for all years?
6. If it's not guaranteed can you obtain/afford off campus housing?
7. What kind of social atmosphere do you want?
8. If you have certain non academic interests how easy/difficult are they to pursue?
9. Do you want an urban, suburban, rural, or college town setting?
10. Can you afford the school?
11. Do you want an active Greek life or do you want to avoid schools with active Greek communities?
12. What is the reputation of the school in the business community?
13. How much help is the school's career center in obtaining internships/post graduation jobs?
14. Do you want to be able to participate in music, art or theater without having to major in those areas?
15. Do you want intramural sports?
16. Do you want a big time sports atmosphere?
Mommabear pretty much says it all.
I would second the idea of visiting before you decide. Both of my kids thought they knew where they wanted to go, but once they visited, they changed their minds.
Knowing what you want to major in is important, and you should figure that out soon. If you cannot decide on a major than you really should not be in college; in my opinion.
What to look for in a college? Various things but the most important thing for you to look for is fit. That is, how well do you fit into the student body? Essentially, what type of college setting do you want to be in: large, small, medium; commuter; older student body/traditional student body; lots of clubs/activities; sports/school spirit: Div I, II, II; academic rigor; etc.
I think there are many factors involved in choosing a university. The answers as to what to look for vary by individual. A few things to consider:
1. Do they have a program you are interested in studying?
2. Are you likely to get admitted to the school?
3. What size school do you want?
4. Do you want to live on campus or off campus?
5. If you NEED on campus housing is it guaranteed for all years?
6. If it's not guaranteed can you obtain/afford off campus housing?
7. What kind of social atmosphere do you want?
8. If you have certain non academic interests how easy/difficult are they to pursue?
9. Do you want an urban, suburban, rural, or college town setting?
10. Can you afford the school?
11. Do you want an active Greek life or do you want to avoid schools with active Greek communities?
12. What is the reputation of the school in the business community?
13. How much help is the school's career center in obtaining internships/post graduation jobs?
14. Do you want to be able to participate in music, art or theater without having to major in those areas?
15. Do you want intramural sports?
16. Do you want a big time sports atmosphere?
What about how well it does academically, or undergraduate, etc?
How do I decide what I want to get my degree/major in?
What about how well it does academically, or undergraduate, etc?
How do I decide what I want to get my degree/major in?
If your school has a career services office, they can often help you pick a major.
You can also make a list of the classes you've taken so far where you did well in and also liked the class, then jot down the reasons you liked that subject. Then start looking for majors that give you the opportunity to do the things you like.
You can also try this site for ideas. Don't take it as gospel but it can get you started.
Good luck!
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