You’ve worked hard to perfect your study techniques and earn test scores that will help improve your odds of admission. So you must take the time to choose the right higher education institution for you.
But knowing what to look for can be challenging, especially when faced with so many options.
The good news is that you and your family can look for some key things as you research different university options to ensure you find the best fit.
If you’re looking at a state university, national universities, or an Yivy Lleague like Yale, here are ten things every applicant needs to look for during college admissions. Each of these factors will help you understand the type of educational institution you are looking for and help you choose the right path for your future success!
Below are the results from Studocu Univeristy Ranking that shows what 5,200 university students consider when looking for a university.
Studocu University Ranking Factors, published January 2023.
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Overall Cost, Fees, And Available Aid For Higher Education
Whether you are a first-time college student or looking to earn your doctorate, you need to know about the costs and fees of higher education. Attending a college or university has increased steadily for decades, and most college students face mounting debt. Hence, it is a good idea to understand how much the university or college that you want to attend will cost you.
New students face many financial challenges as they enroll in a new educational institution, and some of the top expenses that we found students like you face include:
- Tuition
- Enrollment fees
- Room and board
- Textbooks and school supplies
- Food, toiletries, and incidentals
- Transportation
- Entertainment
- Personal expenses
Remember that the “sticker price” isn’t necessarily what you’ll end up paying, especially if you’re looking at a private college. In these cases, you could be facing even more expenses, so make sure you read the fine print before committing to a university or college to ensure your choice will suit your financial position.
Ask about financial aid and scholarship opportunities at the schools you’re interested in. You can also apply for local or renewable scholarships to help cover these costs.
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Location And Setting
As you research university possibilities, consider the distance from home. This may increase overall costs to travel back and forth for the holidays and between semesters.
Analyze the campus setting to see if it’s your cup of tea. Think about if you want to attend a school in a city, suburban, or rural setting.
The cost of living may be higher in an urban setting. However, rural colleges may lack the amenities you’re used to. Also, you may receive more scholarships to an international university, but travel costs may negate these extra funds.
So carefully consider which setting will allow you to enjoy your college experience.
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Student Life
Your university experience is about more than just academics. Think about what you need from your university to be truly happy.
The best universities offer a robust culture that provides a sense of community to students from all walks of life.
Look for metrics in the global rankings that tell you how students feel about life on campus. Also, take a look at the dating scene if that’s something that interests you.
This will help you get a good feel for whether or not you’ll be happy outside of the lecture hall.
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Housing And Food Options
On-campus housing can make or break your college experience. Look for dorm options that will allow you to meet new people and be comfortable.
The same goes for food options. Ensure that the cafeteria options are plentiful and cater to your needs, especially if you have dietary restrictions.
Check out the college rankings to see what real students think of these offerings. It’s a great way to predict what your day-to-day life would be like on campus.
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Student Associations, Social Clubs, And Greek Life
Organizations like clubs, student associations, and fraternities or sororities help bring like-minded students together.
They also offer a wealth of opportunities during your time in college and beyond as an alumnus. So if these interest you, you must ensure the colleges you apply to offer them.
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Diversity, Accessibility, And Inclusion
Whether looking for a liberal arts college or entry into graduate school, you want to be celebrated and see your culture reflected in the fabric of your university.
Look at the college ranking to ensure adequate representation in clubs, course offerings, and the student body.
Inclusivity and accessibility are also important, even if you don’t typically require accommodations. It shows that the academic institution cares about its attendees and will go above and beyond to ensure they have access to higher education.
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Athletics And Extracurriculars
As you go about picking colleges, make sure the universities on your list offer opportunities to do the things you enjoy, such as sports, games, and clubs.
Even if you are unsure whether you will participate, it’s always good to have the option to participate. These extracurriculars and sporting events are great ways to build your social circle and make meaningful connections.
If you don’t see anything that catches your eye, see what it takes to start your club. Chances are there are others on the campus just like you who want a place to meet new people while doing something they enjoy in their downtime.
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Academic And Career Support
Whether studying computer science or on the medical school track, sometimes you need a little extra help.
Any student can benefit from academic support, so look for what options the universities you are researching offer. These will give families peace of mind because they know that their students will receive the support they need.
Also, check whether or not the college offers support services for your transition from academics to the workforce. The best colleges will be there for you even after you graduate, so look for those perks.
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Campus Safety
It is difficult to focus on your studies if you don’t feel safe. So it’s essential to know how others feel about campus safety.
Research the crime rates in the city where the university is located. Also, look up the campus safety policy to see if they have a robust campus security system and internal transportation.
This is especially important for campuses that require you to traverse long distances for night classes or to access the dining hall.
So whether you’re looking at a school in Los Angeles, Baltimore, or Durham, make sure your college will make you feel safe.
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Your Intuition
The college you choose has to feel right for you. As you tour and comb through college rankings, trust your instincts. Take note of any red flags to discuss with your family.
Pay attention to your gut and how you feel as you tour or learn about the campus. Your intuition and a sound university ranking system will play a significant role in choosing the right college for you.
Studocu’s World University Ranking Can Help You Find The College Of Your Dreams
Whether you’re studying social sciences or humanities or looking for the right business school, you must compare potential schools and find the one that offers everything you need to succeed.
Studocu offers a world university ranking that provides data on American and global universities derived from the most crucial source: students who attended them.
We strive to offer college hopefuls the opportunity to make the most informed decision possible. Because when you find your dream school, you’ll be able to hit the ground running.
References
Saul, S. (2022, September 15). Despite Years of Criticism, the U.S. News College Rankings Live On. New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/15/us/us-news-college-ranking.html
FAQs
How do you rank a university?
You must consider various factors, including academic ranking, student input, and student life, to rank a university accurately.