Attend Campus Open House Events

Families find few decisions more difficult than that of selecting the right college or universities. Both students and parents may have schools that they prefer. The more that you know about an institution of higher learning, the more likely you are to make a wise decision. There are a number of different ways to gather information about specific schools.

You can do research to discover what types of degree programs that are available at each school on your list. This helps you when it comes to selecting a major or even pursuing a career. There’s nothing quite like visiting a campus. This allows students and parents to get a feel for the institution. At the same time, they are able to see for themselves what is offered. Open House events are great tools when it comes to making your selection.

Touring the Campus

Most colleges and universities these days offer Open House events to families. This offers them a way to connect with potential students. At the same time, this is an opportunity for them to show off the best that their campus has to offer. There are a host of events scheduled during Open House. You will have the chance to tour the campus itself, as well as, dorms and class buildings. Families also visit dining facilities, gyms, and other locations on campus.

Choosing a Major

One of the key factors when it comes to choosing a school is the major programs that are offered. Some students enroll with their major already in mind. Many other students select a major after their freshmen year. Open House events are designed to show families the majors that their schools have available. These events often include presentations by individual departments, which provide students with even more information.

Understanding the Cost

Tuition is definitely one of the critical factors when it comes to selecting an institution. Open House events allow families to understand exactly what the tuition includes. They will learn about the cost of classes, room and board, as well as, meal plan options. Comparing this information from university to university can help you to make your decision.

Open House events allow families to come to campuses to visit. These visits are normally a day of fun and excitement. They can be beneficial even if you think you know the details about a school. Meeting staff and instructors is another bonus when it comes to attending an Open House. Oftentimes students are able to make a final decision about an institution by simply visiting a campus setting.

Why Should Parents and Students Plan for College?

Planning for college is very important in securing your child’s future. College serves as a stepping stone for your child; and as a parent you will need to consider a few important aspects before you make your choice. The first thing that many parents think of is what their budget allows. While that is important; it should not be the only deciding factor when choosing a college for your kids.

The main reason for college attendance is to educate yourself towards your future career goals. This will basically be the deciding factor in terms of the direction one’s life will steer towards, and it will also have a huge impact on your financial stability. College graduates have a better employment rate than their non-qualified counterparts, and this will determine job eligibility and subsequently determine quality of life.

Parents need to consider how these school fees will be paid; since this will make the admission process so much smoother. College fees can also be paid by the student via a bank loan, or with the help of a study loan that will need to be paid back once he or she starts working. Regardless of the method of payment, parents need to be aware of this and offer full support.

Once the financial obligations have been sorted out, parents need to assist their children in making sure that they choose a career path that fits in with their personalities, abilities and talents. There is nothing worse than being stuck in a job that you don’t enjoy; and it will literally become a “job” instead of a career. Most colleges will offer career counseling for students that need guidance or support when making their decisions, and this is usually also offered free of charge.

As the saying goes: "Knowledge is something that nobody can take away from you”, and this is very true. A college education can go a long way in preparing someone for the working world and will also allow individuals to start their own business and open up various other possibilities that can lead to success. Choosing the right career path with full parental support is one of the best and positive choices that one can ever make.  

Choose Your School By Major

Many high school students throughout the state of North Carolina will be looking at colleges and universities. Some of these students and their families will focus on individual schools. Others, however, will be open to the selection of the right school. One of the key things to consider when selecting an institution of higher learning is your major.

Those who know what major they intend to adopt are in a great position when it comes to shopping for schools. Not all colleges will have your particular major. Schools that do have your major of choice, may not have the program that you are interested in. This is why families need to do a bit of research before making a final decision on an institution. Here are some tips for choosing a school by major:

Narrow Down Your Search

When there is a wide selection of institutions in your state, making a choice can be difficult. There are many different ways to narrow down your search for a school. One very important issue that assists you here are the majors that a university offers. It doesn’t matter, whether you are looking for Political Science or Education. Students and parents must search for schools with majors in the degree programs they are interested in.

                                               

Look at Programs

Each school is different and has unique majors and programs to offer students. Not all programs are going to be the same. Education for example is a diverse major to consider. There are focuses like early childhood, middle school, and other areas. Depending on your interest, you will have to make your school selection. It is important that you look at each school’s major programs before making a decision.

The size of a college or university doesn’t limit what it may offer you in terms of a major. Other factors may impact your final decision as well. The distance away from home, cost of tuition, and a host of topics will influence your choice. It is always a good idea to look at the majors that an institution offers to you. This will help you to wisely determine which is the best fit for you.

Transitioning from High School to College

Families will soon be preparing their high school children for the changes that college brings. Juniors and seniors in high school should start thinking about college early, not only preparing to select the right institution, but also preparing for the transition from high school to college life.

This is one of the reasons that parents should assist students in this process. The transition from high school to college can be difficult. In most instances, this is a matter of overall maturity. At the same time, these changes have to do with knowing what to expect. The more students understand about college life, the more they can prepare and transition.

Living in a Dorm

Most freshmen come to their campuses never having lived away from home. They may also not be accustomed to living in close quarters with others. High school students should make an effort to understand and prepare for dorm life in college. Reading material about campus rules and individual dorms can be helpful. A planned visit to dorms before beginning schools can also assist students in knowing what to expect.

Responsible Study Habits

One of the important things for students to remember about college is that they will have new responsibility. Parents will not be around to chaperone activities and study habits. This means that students must adopt habits that will allow them to get their studies completed. They will need to use organization and scheduling in this process.

Time Management

Time management is absolutely essential for college students. Most campuses have a list of extracurricular activities and events. Coordinating your time for school and time for other things is important. This will allow students to participate and socialize while achieving their academic goals. Being able to manage your time well is the best way to showcase maturity and preparation for higher education.

College can certainly be the most influential time in a child’s life. Much of the information and skills learned during this period will follow students throughout their careers. Learning to transition will allow students to focus on their goals and enjoying what their school has to offer.