Completing a degree is tough, but it can help boost your career and open up many different avenues in life. It can be tough to choose a college that’s right for you, as there are so many out there and they’re all keen on bringing in new students. Before you make a choice, here are some questions you should ask first.

• Where will I be based?

Location is a major factor for many students. This may be because of: 

• Finances – many students minimize their debt by living at home
• Commitments – students with children, spouses, or other commitments may not want to move away from home
• Cost – many students want to avoid going to college in an expensive city, so might choose a school in a cheaper area
• Facilities – some students want to be in an area close to major businesses, with a lively theater scene or in a city closely related to their target industry

If you decide to move away from home, you may want to work out how much it’ll cost to come home for the holidays and summer. Some colleges also offer a mixture of online and on-campus courses, so this could be a compromise.

• How much will it cost?

With rising tuition and the high cost of living in many college areas, finances have become more of a consideration than ever for potential students. The average student graduates with $29k of loans if they attend a public university – more for private institutions – but the amount of debt you end up with will depend on many factors. In-state students pay less tuition, and lucky students may get scholarships and parental contributions. Compare costs to help you make a decision. 

• What are my chances of getting in?

It’s no use setting your heart on your dream school if you aren’t able to get in due to grades or SAT scores, so it’s important to find out what a potential school is looking for and establishing your chances of getting a place. It’s worth looking up the UC Riverside GPA requirements or that of your dream school, so you can decide whether to make an application. 

• Does the school have the right culture?

Every school has its own reputation, whether it’s as a party school, somewhere arty, or a college that’s sports-obsessed. You should, of course, take a tour – and look past the reputation – to consider whether the culture is right for you. 

• What does it offer beyond academics?

From extracurricular activities to sport and social events, college is about more than just sitting in a lecture hall. If you find a college you love, but it doesn’t offer the specific course you’re after, think about what other facilities it will offer.

When you visit an open day or college fair, it helps to think of some questions to ask admissions teams so that you can narrow down your choices. From money to the campus culture, think about what matters most to you when it comes to college.