So can choosing the wrong college be avoided? YES!! Especially with today’s modern technology and access to information there’s no need to get stuck with a bad pick. Here are some critical topics to consider before picking a college:

1. When I Grow Up: Before picking a college, have at least a general idea what you want to do with your life. Focus on a career path based on what you’re good at, what you enjoy doing, what you want to learn and are passionate about. Ask yourself if you can envision doing that job long-term? If not, ask yourself why before the check for your first freshman semester is mailed. No sense going to a college if you’re not sure what you really want to pursue. The college you chose may not be the best one for what you DO ultimately decide on. No sense going to a great Art college if you think you want to be an Accountant. Switching colleges, switching majors, dealing with transferring credits that may not transfer can be avoided with some realistic self-assessment.

2. Research!: Make a list of jobs you may want to pursue and research what that position entails. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is a great resource to find information on most any job. The BLS outlines what a position entails, how many different types of that position are available (ex: writer – Teacher, Journalist, Technology White Papers, etc…), the salary you can expect to make and what the job market for that position is like. It’s an invaluable place for students checking out potential careers. If you find yourself bored or put-off by the education and training it takes to do that job, and the elements of the job don’t seem that great either, that path is probably not for you. Stating the obvious I know…but how many people do you know that are in jobs they don’t enjoy? How do you think that happened? If you need a PhD for a particular career, are you willing to see it through to the end? If you stop short of your goal, what else can you do with what you learned up to that point? Can you still enter the field in another capacity? Do your research.

3. Ask An Expert: Regardless of how much research is done on any college or job, it’s always best to speak to someone who’s done it before you. Sites like http://www.collegeweeklive.com/ and http://www.collegeclicktv.com/ are great resources to help wiith the college selection process. Collegeweeklive is a virtual online college fair giving potential students a chance to speak with career counselors and students from colleges of interest, asking questions and gaining access to campus and curriculum information without having to visit the school. CollegeclickTV is a great school selection tool because it interviews students from schools EVERYWHERE. You hear their views on the party scenes, teachers, campus activities and everything else important to them. I recommend these tools because it may save your family precious time and money visiting a school that doesn”t get good reviews. Save your vacation days for college tours of campuses that are worth the trip.

4. Big or Little: Once you’ve decided on a career direction (something generally pointing the right way), think about if you want to attend a big university or a smaller college. If you were picked on in high school and couldn’t wait to graduate, a smaller college may be more prone to “clicks” leaving you to feel left out and lonely again. You may enjoy the attention of smaller classes where teachers know you’re name, but it’s important to consider the social and academic aspects of picking a college before you committ. If you like meeting tons of people or blending in with the masses, and might enjoy large lecture hall classes – try a big college or university on for size. Ask if you can sit in on a class if you’re in the area.

I’m sure there’s more to add to this blog entry, but that’s all I’m writing for now. I’ll add more in later when I have more time. Or if you’d like to add a comment feel free.