EDUCATION

Review the programs of study the college offers. You may not have a specific major in mind, but you probably know where your interests and aptitudes lie. Besides, you can always change majors if you decide to go in a different direction. Studies show that college students change their majors an average of three times. If you're not sure about your major, the college academic advising office can help you narrow your choices.

Consider the college's overall environment. Think about how much time you expect to spend inside and outside the classroom. After all, there's more to college than just attending class. It's a chance to meet new friends, take part in fun activities, and connect with the campus. Be sure to check out the clubs and organizations on campus. Most colleges have athletics and intramural activities to help you de-stress. And most also have clubs to suit just about any interest. Some of the more fascinating we've observed are the Paranormal Society, Japanese Animation Club, and Skydiving Club, not to mention clubs tied to specific majors. Check with the college's student life office for a full list of clubs and organizations.

What sets the college apart from other schools? It takes a little digging, but you should be able to find what makes the college distinctive. Is it well-known for a specific program or approach to learning? Some colleges do some things especially well. And some have unique components such as required service learning or internships as part of the college experience. Make sure to ask about the college's mission and vision on your tour. Tour guides may not have this in hand but they can get it for you.

Take a close-up look at campus facilities and technology. You can tell a lot about a college by the way it looks because it reflects the pride the institution has in itself. Are the buildings and grounds well-maintained? Is the technology in classrooms and labs up-to-date? And how large is the library?

What kind of professors does the college have? Some colleges tout the number of Ph.D.s they have in the faculty ranks, and that's important. But equally important is their reputation, how approachable and accessible they are for students, and their teaching style. Find out by sitting in on a class during your visit (make arrangements ahead of time).

What support services are available to you? Find out about such things as counseling and tutoring services, financial aid, health services, and career help either for part-time jobs while in school or for your chosen career. Pay special attention to the level of customer service at these offices. Are they friendly and helpful?

Big, medium, or small? Colleges typically range in size from 1,000 to more than 40,000. What size college suits you? Smaller colleges tend to create a greater sense of "community," allowing you to get involved and get to know fellow students. Larger colleges or universities tend to create more anonymity, though there are certainly opportunities to get involved. Visit a small, medium, and large college to see what feels comfortable.

Residential campus or commuter campus? A residential campus has residence halls used by both out of town and local students. And while some urban schools have large commuter populations, they often have student housing as well. If you plan to live in a residence hall, check out one or more of them while you're on campus. Are they appealing and close to where you're going to class? And while you're at it, stop into the dining facilities and get a sample of what they have to offer.

What is the college town like? Remember you're not going to spend all your time on campus. Get into town and see what kinds of amenities it has in terms of entertainment, recreation, dining, and other things important to you. Also note any companies where you may want to intern or seek eventual employment.

No matter how you go about selecting a college, it's always a good idea to visit the college firsthand. You can learn a lot from a college Web site, but nothing beats experiencing the real thing. So get out there and plan your visits!