Choosing the Best University?

Any school would claim that they are the best or at par with the best or the best in a specific field.  Some would declare the best in the province of or the number one in the region of and the list goes on.

Choosing the best school should not be your utmost concern but rather the right school for you.  In doing this, you should also consider several factors to come up with an answer.  This will save you from any guilt or regret in the future or much worse to not able to finish your degree.

Can I or my parents afford any school I choose?

Unless you are born with a golden spoon in your mouth, this will be a tough one since school fees (tuition and miscellaneous) never stops from rising.  But if you are able and willing to study in a public school, this will not be hard as state universities offer low fees and high quality education. Entrance exams could be tough though in some state universities.  On the other hand, if you are an excellent academic student you may try scholarship grants in private schools or if you’re good at sports, some schools offer scholarships for the same.

What schools offer the course I plan to take?

Of course, you should have decided on the course you plan to take before answering this question and it could be another topic to discuss it.  You could choose the school that is known to be best with your chosen field or specializes with it.  With this, there is high probability that you will get a job after graduation or pass the board exams if any.

Should I consider the proximity of the school from home?

For those from the provinces, I assume all provinces have their own colleges or universities, public and private.  But if you really want to study at the country’s center, you should have the budget to rent a house or a boarding house near the school.  For those living in the nearby provinces, the progress is within your reach as expressways and skyways or metro rail transits are now in place.

Am I considering the name (popularity) of the school?

Whether we like it or not, incoming freshmen students are sometimes enticed with the popularity of the school and would take any course that they are qualified. They are just being practical if they are considering a (sure) job after graduation.  To remind you, there are 564,000 college graduates who are unemployed as of 2011 based on labor statistics.

Where will my friends attend school?

I don’t suggest that you consider this, but maybe this is a factor to some.  If you really think that your best friends forever will motivate you, inspire and can bring out the best in you, why not? Consider it at your own risk.

My parents chose the school for me?

Do parents know best?  If your parents will be paying for your school fees, then most probably, yes, they are in authority in which school you’ll be attending.  But if you could show them factors that you have considered like shown above, probably they would listen and support your chosen school.

These are just some factors so you could actually add more and make your own list.  Just always remember that when you decide consider where and what would you be after graduation.