College Planning

Selecting a college or university is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. Your education will serve as a foundation for your future, offering a wellspring of knowledge and experience to which you will return again and again throughout your life. It is important that there be a good "fit" between you and your school. Take the time to do some research before you make a choice.

1. Be Prepared
   Review your high school coursework. Have you followed the MESA High School Curriculum Model? Have you taken the college aptitude tests (the SAT and/or the ACT) early in your senior year, so that your scores will be available by the application deadline.
   
   
2. Do Your Homework
   There are thousands of colleges and universities in the US, so narrow your choices in oder to have a more manageable group to research. Click here to view a list of Colorado Colleges and Universities >> Below are some items to consider when researching a school:
   
   
   • Major
     Make sure the schools you are considering offer the fields you want to pursue, but don't feel you have to be locked into one area. Colleges and universities provide the opportunity for exploration and, sometimes, for designing your own major.
     
   • Size
     Are you interested in a larger school, or one with a smaller enrollment? What extra-curricular activities does the school offer, such as sports, student organizations, Career Center, academic tutorials, freshman seminars, etc.
     
   • Cost
     Do not exclude schools based on their published tuition price. Financial aid is available and the actual cost to each student may be well below the "sticker price" of tuition. Financial aid officers at each institution can create custom financial-aid packages to meet your needs. Click here for more information about Financial Aid >>
   • Educational Quality
     As part of your research, talk to guidance counselors and friends to hear their recommendations. Ask them about their own college experiences, and seek out alumni of schools that have piqued your interest.
     
     
3. Visit the Campus
   An on-site visit is crucial to let you experience the atmosphere of the campus. Take this chance to meet with admissions representatives, professors, and staff. Tour the residence halls, recreation and dining facilities, and classrooms. Talk to students. If possible, schedule an overnight visit. Several schools offer on-site campus visits on a regular basis. Contact the admissions office for more information.
   
   
4. Prepare and Submit Your Application(s)
   Once you have narrowed the field of schools you are considering, it's time to complete the application. Some students apply to as many as 8 to 10 colleges, while others limit themselves to two or three. In any case, devote the time necessary to create a strong application. List your extracurricular activities (MESA) as well as your school accomplishments. Think carefully about your application essay! Letters of recommendation are important, so choose carefully the people you will ask. Observe all deadlines! Keep in mind that several schools offer their applications online - so be prepared prior to beginning the online application.
   
   
5. Make Your Decision
   When you have received notice from colleges or universities of your status (accepted, wait-listed, or not accepted), it's time to make your decision. If you are still not sure about which college to choose, schedule another visit to the schools which have accepted you. Many schools have special programs for accepted students in late spring. If you are wait-listed at your preferred school, don't just wait passively -- write a letter to tell the school why you are still interested. When you have made your decision, inform all the involved schools in a timely manner.
   
   
6. Make the Most of Your College Years
   Your college education will be the springboard for the rest of your life. Look upon your baccalaureate degree as an investment in your future. Work hard, while taking advantage of all the opportunities for leadership, service, enrichment, and enjoyment. You will forge lasting relationships and indelible memories. Career and placement services at each college or university will help prepare you for life after graduation. A fine college education will serve as the foundation for lifelong learning, and the value of your degree will continue to appreciate.

Additional Resources

College in Colorado
www.collegeincolorado.org