10/26/2018
Tutor Upgrade Tip: Once you reach high school and know that you want to go to college, start thinking about about any colleges that you may be interested in. Tenth grade is not too soon to start taking tours and visiting a couple of colleges. Eleventh grade is a great time to visit a few more of your top choices. By 12th grade, a number of schools allow early decision so it can be very beneficial to know by the end of your junior year where you'd like to go. Early decision often chooses about half of the freshman class and you have a better chance of getting into that college if you apply early decision. Picking the right college for you is very important to your success in life and this article does a great job of listing what you need to think about to make an informed choice for yourself. Do pay attention to number 6. Some top schools meet full need, some top schools use need based formulas which means you don't pay more in the end and often, pay less, and some top schools are actively seeking out bright students with great financial need to add dimension to their student body. If you have worked hard and have a strong record, don't cross any colleges off your list as not being affordable. Take the time to learn what financial aid is available. Often, you will be surprised by the outcome.
The college search doesn't have to begin and end with the Ivies and the name brand schools. Martha O'Connell, the executive director of Colleges That Change Lives, shares some advice for trying to find schools that works for you.