The applications have been in for over a month and those college acceptance letters should start showing up in the next few weeks. Woot woot! The tough part will be deciding where to attend. How in the world do you make the right decision? There are three factors to consider when choosing the right school for you. Considering your Advanced Placement (AB) and International Baccalaureate (IB) test scores, personal funding situation, and fit will help you make the right decision.
You have boat loads of high Advance /IB test scores and want to complete your undergrad degree as quickly as possible? Good job! Now take a closer look at those state school acceptance letters. Ivy Leagues and other highly selective schools are typically more reluctant to accept your test scores in place of actual classroom time. State schools will often accept scores of 3 or higher in lieu of classroom time – meaning you enter college as a Sophomore or Junior and save a bunch of tuition. You may be able to head to graduate school after only 2 years of undergrad – which can be a plus if you want to get your schooling completed as quickly (and as inexpensively) as possible.
Not in a hurry? Those high AP/IB scores were probably key to your getting accepted to some of your higher ranking schools. If you are in no particular hurry to complete that undergrad degree, consider these schools. The key factor to consider here is money (a.k.a. debt) vs. prestige. Complete your FAFSA and your Profile applications early so that you can request your financial aid package from each school to determine which school will give you the best education for the least amount of money. (Warning: do not count loans as free money. Consider your tuition after grants and scholarships but leave the loans. This way you know exactly how much tuition you will be paying.)
Another important factor is fit. How do you fit with the campus culture? Wrong for you = four very long years. A lot of schools will hold College Campus Visits so you can get a feel for the schools and decide if you really fit in. If they offer an overnight session; go! You'll have the opportunity to meet your potential peers (and suitemates). It’s surprising how many times a first choice college doesn’t get chosen once you have really checked out the campus and students.
Regardless of which college you choose, congratulations on all of those acceptance letters!
You have boat loads of high Advance /IB test scores and want to complete your undergrad degree as quickly as possible? Good job! Now take a closer look at those state school acceptance letters. Ivy Leagues and other highly selective schools are typically more reluctant to accept your test scores in place of actual classroom time. State schools will often accept scores of 3 or higher in lieu of classroom time – meaning you enter college as a Sophomore or Junior and save a bunch of tuition. You may be able to head to graduate school after only 2 years of undergrad – which can be a plus if you want to get your schooling completed as quickly (and as inexpensively) as possible.
Not in a hurry? Those high AP/IB scores were probably key to your getting accepted to some of your higher ranking schools. If you are in no particular hurry to complete that undergrad degree, consider these schools. The key factor to consider here is money (a.k.a. debt) vs. prestige. Complete your FAFSA and your Profile applications early so that you can request your financial aid package from each school to determine which school will give you the best education for the least amount of money. (Warning: do not count loans as free money. Consider your tuition after grants and scholarships but leave the loans. This way you know exactly how much tuition you will be paying.)
Another important factor is fit. How do you fit with the campus culture? Wrong for you = four very long years. A lot of schools will hold College Campus Visits so you can get a feel for the schools and decide if you really fit in. If they offer an overnight session; go! You'll have the opportunity to meet your potential peers (and suitemates). It’s surprising how many times a first choice college doesn’t get chosen once you have really checked out the campus and students.
Regardless of which college you choose, congratulations on all of those acceptance letters!
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