Some students prefer the anonymity of large lecture halls; others thrive in smaller classrooms where discussion is more easily facilitated. Even in smaller classes, student numbers can range from 10 or 15 to 30 or more. A school that has smaller classes has a higher faculty-to-student ratio, allowing for greater individual attention and assistance.
Some schools have a great commitment to direct job placement following graduation; others may be better at providing a foundation for further learning. Prospective students who plan to enter the work force immediately after graduation need to be aware of the school's success rate in preparing graduates for employment. Career services departments can be key to facilitating a good placement rate, so inquire into this area. For those thinking about graduate school, it is important to find a program that will make this possible. Ask what percentage of graduates are accepted at graduate programs and in which disciplines.
Campus life is an important factor, and colleges have varying focuses when it comes to clubs and organizations. Some schools lean more toward fraternities and sororities, while others place a high value on public service and volunteerism or international student groups. Though academics are the main purpose of college, extracurricular activities are great ways to meet new friends, start networking and make the college years more enjoyable overall.
Although colleges and universities inform applicants of minimum requirements for admission, they can still admit only a certain number of qualified applicants. A college fair is a useful way to find out which attributes carry more weight with an admissions board, according to the School Guides website. Some schools put the greatest emphasis on grades, while others may value civic participation, service activities, athletics or participation in the arts. Applicants who are aware of what the school is looking for can emphasize these attributes in the application essay or interview.
Student bodies vary immensely from school to school. Among factors to consider are diversity, ratio of women to men and average age of the students. College reps tend to have this information on hand but usually will not volunteer it. Students may also want to ask where the student body comes from. Some colleges draw their student body from across the country or internationally; other schools tend to have populations from more regional areas. Finally, it is a good idea to be aware of how many students live on campus as opposed to commuting.