7 Questions You Should Ask When Picking a College

A pretty campus isn't enough.

It's College Prep week at Mentor Public Library. On Tuesday, Patricia Saddle of the College Planning Center presented an overview on all aspects of the college-application process.

The last time Saddle spoke at MPL, we highlighted some of the worst reasons to pick a college.

This time, we're sharing some of the questions you should ask when selecting your school.

1. What academic majors are offered?

This isn't just a matter of, "Do they have the major I want?" After all, 50 to 70 percent of college students change their majors at least once. Know what the college offers and if it coincides with your career interests.

2. What organizations and clubs are available?

Yes, you're going to college to learn, but you're also going to participate. If you love theater—even if you don't intend to major in drama—take into account if the college has a drama club. The same goes for karate clubs, intramural broomball leagues, jazz bands and whatever else it may be that you love.

3. What is the school known for?
Take into account a school's reputation. It's likely earned.

What are you looking for in a college or university? Somewhere with a strong alumni network? A vibrant arts scene? A school that's as well known for its social life as its academics?

Research your colleges of interest and make sure they sync with your expectations.

4. Does the college offer what you need for your learning style?

Do you prefer individual attention or more independence from your teacher? Pay attention to average class sizes. It's always helpful to get a current student's impressions, as well.

5. What percentage of students come back for their sophomore year?

A school's retention rate can be very telling. A high percentage of transfers and dropouts may indicate that a college does a subpar job of integrating new students.

6. How many students live on campus?

This question—much like our second and third questions—give you a sense of a school's culture. Do most students go home or stay during the weekend? Do they live in dorms or independent housing? There is no right or wrong answer, but it's a good sign when your preference coincides with your school's statistics.

7. What does the university look like?

No, we don't mean, "Is the campus pretty?" Frankly, any campus can look beautiful on the right day.

We mean is the campus tiny or sprawling? Is it urban, suburban or rural? It doesn't matter too much if your campus is photogenic. It does matter if it's in the middle of a city or if you need a car to get around it.

Our college prep series continues tonight. A representative from Lake/Geauga Education Assistance Foundation (LEAF) will talk about financing your college education. They will discuss loans, grants and scholarships, explain the differences between the three and tell students the best way to get them.

While the program is free and open to everyone, we that people register for it beforehand. They can do so by calling (440) 255-8811 ext. 214 or by visiting Mentor Library’s event calendar.

The 6 Worst Reasons to Pick a College

Patricia Saddle, the president of the College Planning Center, visited the Mentor Public Library to help us kick off our College Prep Series.

She offered teens and parents advice on how to make their college applications stand out, find financial aid, and do almost anything else involved in the college search.

She also gave the six worst reasons to choose a college or university.

Patricia Saddle talks about selecting colleges at the Mentor Public Library.

1. Your friends are going there.

This is also true for "your boyfriend/girlfriend is going there."

Listen, the college that's right for your friend/significant other/twin sibling isn't necessarily right for you. Your college of choice should be compatible with you socially, financially and academically.

Of course, you might have a friend or two going to your first choice; but a college shouldn't be your first choice just because you have a friend or two going there.

You'll make other friends at college. Besides, you can always keep in touch with your old ones via Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/texting/actually seeing each other on break.

2. You can go home when you want to.

There's nothing wrong with wanting to go home on occasion, but part of the point of college is leaving the nest, Saddle said.

3. It's got a great football team.

Your college's football team probably won't make your resume look any better. This rule applies to a college's baseball, volleyball, floor hockey and curling teams, as well.

And you can probably catch your team of choice's game on ESPN∞ anyhow.

Exception to this rule: If you will be playing on said team, it's reasonable to consider how good it is.

4. The admissions counselor was really helpful.

The admissions counselor is supposed to be helpful. It is their job.

5. The campus is beautiful.

OK, not all campuses are equal; but if you catch any campus on the right day in the right light at the right angle, it will look lovely.

That is not a reason to spend $80,000 and the next four years of your life there.

6. It's a great party school.

Yes, you do need to be socially compatible with your prospective college.

Yes, you should go somewhere you feel like you will make friends.

No, that doesn't mean you should go to a college just because it hosts an awesome streetfest or is very accommodating to binge drinkers.

Our college prep series continues at 6:30 p.m. today at our Main Branch. A representative for LEAF will talk about financial aid and how to get scholarships, grants and loans.

You can register for the program on the library's website or by calling (440) 255-8811 ext. 215.