Putting College in Perspective
An education that goes beyond a high school degree can be important for future life success, typically increasing average earnings over the course of your career in the workforce. But, depending on your goals, resources and abilities, college may not be the best or only option for you. There are many factors to consider when determining your next move, and this decision is ultimately up to you. This portion of Set to Go is designed to walk you through the value of a college education, the importance of keeping it in perspective, and what to consider when seeking your college fit. Read on to learn more!
The Value of a College Degree
There are reasons why millions of Americans are currently pursuing a college degree. The value of a college degree is more than just monetary. By enrolling in a post-secondary education program, students also grow intellectually, personally and professionally.
Steps to Take Before You Apply
Do you know how to prepare for college? It starts well before you pack your suitcase or even before you select schools to apply to. It begins while you’re still in high school with identifying your goals for life after graduation, honing your life skills and strengthening your social and emotional skills. As you build these skills and refine your goals, you can begin to consider the schools you may attend. You may have heard the phrase, “It’s not just what you do, it’s how you do it that counts.” This holds true during the college selection and application process. Take some time to read through this section to learn what’s important when thinking about this process, including having an honest discussion with yourself as to whether college is the best or only option for you.
Which College Is Best for Me?
While you can get an excellent education at almost any college in the country, your success in school will likely depend more on the college environment, social and emotional factors. Unfortunately, these factors are often overlooked in favor of school rankings, course rigor and even school colors. The links below are designed to help you through the college selection process by informing you about topics like college visits, campus characteristics, class size statistics, and support systems.