1. What do you want to do or become when you graduate?
This is the most important question! You have to know your end-goal! This way, you can properly analyze if a particular school can help you achieve that goal.
You don't choose a college because of it's popularity or because of a family legacy. You'll be studying in that school for 4 or more years, so you really need to WANT to be there and not be forced.
A little side story, some of my classmates were forced inti their program because of their parents. Unfortunately, our program isn't easy and you really need determination to pass your courses. They didn't have that since they were forced and thus, they did bad on professional courses, to the point where they had to retake them! So, you don't want this to happen to you - it's stressful, draining and will waste time and money.
2. What kind of environment do you want in a college?
This is also important because you'll be spending most of your 4 years in that school. So, if you don't like the environment, if it's polluted, dirty, or your building looks like something taken from a horror movie, you'd definitely hate seeing it every morning. It's not a factor that will cause you to transfer, but the environment helps a lot especially during hell week (exams and project dues week)
I attend a university with trees and gardens. The campus is surrounded by plants. There's even a little hut where students can stay during their vacant. So, this helps me during hell week. Like the time when I have 6 quizzes in one day, the smell of freshly watered plants and the sight of trees somehow alleviated my stress and I was still in a good mood when I want into class that morning.
3. What is the maximum number of units in this college?
THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT! I have friends from other colleges who only have 29 units. Yes, I said 'only' because in my university, I have 33 units. That's a heavy course load. In our uni, the maximum is 34 units.
My friends who only have 29 units and below are living the time of their lives. They're dean's listers (honors), travelling, completing 8 hours of sleep, and such. Basically, they enjoy the stuff that I can't.
Is this college semestral, tri-sem or quad?
This part concerns both you and your parents. It concerns you (the student) because in one semester, you'll have one prelims and one finals exam. This means that you only have 2 chances of passing your courses. If you got low scores on your prelims, your only chance is to gain high ones on your finals.
For parents, a semester is the due date for tuition fees. Semestral has 2 semesters thus, 2 tuition fee payments. Trisem has 3 and Quad has 4.
4. What is the worst schedule that I can possibly receive?
Unlike high school, you don't have the same subjects everyday. Each day has a different number of subjects on different hours, which means different call times and dismissal. Last semester I had a 7 AM to 7 PM schedule for three days straight. Some days had one vacant while other days had none. Yes, which means, no lunch time, and thus no time to cram homework and projects.
5. What is the quota?
Every program has a different quota. In our program, we have a 70% quota.
When I was on my first sem on my first year of college, I was shocked with my transmuted grade. The grading system is different from high school so I exerted effort on the wrong requirements. So, for you to avoid this, know which courses have the largest number of units and which activities or requirements have the largest number of percentage value.
6. How will I travel to and from school?
Punctuality is important to some professors while some professors don't care if you attend their class. Either way, you need to know your route. Check if it's
a. Safe
b. Costly
c. Time-efficient
7. What non-academic services do they offer?
These are the clinics, churches, guidance services, canteens and more. In our university, canteens aren't that common. However, we do have food booths, coffee shops, fast food restaurants, and convenience stores. We also have a health service center which acts as our clinic.
8. What are the available organizations/activities?
This doesn't apply to me, but other students like to join organizations during the school year. So, if you're that type of student, this should be one of the things you consider.
9. How much does each sem cost?
College is expensive, that's a fact and the tuition isn't paid once a year. It could be twice, thrice and even four times a year. So parents really need to prepare for this kind investment. You can also inquire about scholarship offers in your university and program or you could look for outside sponsors. Aside from the tuition fee, there are other expenses within the semester such as books, school shirts, class funds, projects and more. Based on experience, books should have the largest budget allocation, second to the tuition of course.
10. Do they offer scholarships or are they open for outside sponsors?
This part mostly concerns students aiming for scholarships. Universities are usually flexible and will allow outside sponsors. Having a scholarship or a sponsor will help you with your expenses.
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