Selecting university to study

A student wrote to me: 'I am graduating from high school and apply to university but I do not know which one would be best for me. Can you me give some advices”.

Answer: Select which university to attend is an important decision that will affect you for the next several years. While most students make decision base on parental advices, friends advices, and the costs of university, there are other factors that you should consider such as academic programs, school reputation, school size, and personal compatibility.

The first thing you should think about is the academic programs. Some universities offer specialized programs in certain fields, so you need to review them to find schools that specializing in the field that you are interested in. Some students perform better and learn more in a school that focuses on these “specialized curriculum” while others prefer exploring more varieties, broaden fields so they can have more choices. A school with a strong academic program will make it easier for you to find job in your field. Top companies always like to hire students from good schools. Schools with a prestigious reputation also attract good professors to their faculty. Of course, top schools require high scores to get in so it depends on your test scores that you can find the school that fits your qualification. Many students fail in college due to the lack of preparation and incompatible academic levels. You should select school that has test score requirements similar to your own to ensure that you are on the same level as the rest of the students.

The second thing you should think about is deciding on a field of study to pursue. You must plan where you want to go with your future and select a field of study that you have a passion for it. You must know what the training program requires by review the curriculum and syllabuses. I know most students do not do that and select something beyond their capabilities. A certain field may sound good but if you do not know much you have to prepare for it, and how much efforts you have to put in these classes then you may be in for a big surprise. Selecting a wrong field may cause more problems later on. If you are not sure, come and sit in some of the classes before making a decision. Talk to professors and students to learn more about that field and to get an idea of what the field may be like. You must select something that you are strongly interested in. You must have passion for a subject so you can be a better student then later on be a productive professional. I know many students like to choose a field that is financially rewarding, but I also saw that few would be able to complete it. If they do not have the capabilities and discipline they will not go far. Remember that you are in college studying this subject for a number of years and may be working in that field for many years, so select something you will enjoy and can stay with it. Be honest with yourself, and select a field of study that will make you want to learn more and content for the rest of your life.

University is not just a place for knowledge development but also a place for personal development as well. As first year student you should consider the social aspect of any schools that you want to attend too. The next thing you should think about is the size of the school. University comes in many sizes so you must consider it carefully because you can get lost in a large school with many students. Smaller schools can be friendly but sometime limited in what it offers. If you are independent and learn best by listening and observing, a large school might be best for you. A small school will offer more helps, more friendly on training, better professor student ratio, and give you a strong feeling of closeness. You get better access to professors in smaller school which is a good thing, especially when you need help. On the other hand, larger schools offer a more variety of activities, more courses, more things, more programs but you will have to deal with larger class size, more students, and less contact with professors. Some students like small school, some prefer larger one depending on the personality so the size of school may be a factor in your decision about which school is right for you. College is a time of exploration, for adventure, for social activities, and to make friends but it could be a major distraction too. Decide which type of schools that you would benefit from should also a key factor.

The last advice is do not make final decision until you visit the school that you want to attend. You should talk to students there to get a feeling about the schools then determine whether it is the right school for you. Remember, you will be attending this school for four years or more. It is very important to feel like you belong there, whether that means you like the people who attend this school, or the activities of the school. So, when making decision about attending a particular school, you should go and visit the school before deciding. You may think that the academic program and the size of the school are good but if you go to the school and meet students, professors and you do not feel comfortable then maybe this school is not right for you.

Sources

  • Blogs of Prof. John Vu, Carnegie Mellon University