The choice: view of the choice of college teachers

Lynn Jacobs and Jeremy Hyman

As the next class of first year of College weigh their choices, I asked Lynn f. Jacobs and Jeremy s. Hyman, author of The Secrets of College Success, to compile tips for readers of the choice. The following are excerpts. -Jacques Steinberg

?Focus on academics. Given that the main reason for which that you are going to college is to get a good education, the quality of the course should be a crucial factor in the procedure of your choice. If you are able to visit - or review - your top choice of two or three, you will be able to assess how good teaching is taking part in some first-year classes. Particular attention is the instructor (regular faculty, T.A. or Professor - ask if you are not sure), how well and is interesting material is presented, and analytical and interpretive skills are being underlined.

If you are not capable of doing a tour of campus, harness the power of the Web. Consider the college Portal: review the qualifications of faculty, watching course programs (when available) and discover the majors, minors and interdisciplinary programs. Consider sending an email to undergraduate Advisor or Department Chair or the Chair of the field, you are interested in the study (brief and specific questions work best). And contact the admissions office to see if it will put you in contact with a current which you can call or Skype student. Nothing beats first-hand testimony.

?Drama the ""ranking."" At this stage in your college selection process, the classification proposed by major magazines should important weigh in your calculations. It is often of general surveys which may take into account the views of the Presidents of College and high school advisors (but not the Faculty), who actually teach in colleges. They may also take into account factors such as alumni discount rates and the ratio of graduates expected-to-real (how are relevant to your final choice?). Much better rankings in the majors (is made usually by teachers in these areas, available on the Web) and the reputation of the College in the business community who are (which is important for your career).

?Do not have a hobby to a breaker agreement. Whatsoever - and how well - a College can accommodate your extra-curricular interests is a reasonable thing to consider to make your final decision. Just Don't let dominate your way of thinking. Yes, it's nice to find a school where you can be on the team catch despite your less-than-level Olympic skills or playing in the String Quartet, even if you never went to Interlochen. But you wouldn't trade a better school, everything considered, to a lesser one, solely on the basis of a personal or recreational interest.

?Imagine you there. You can go to MIT or Caltech once you realize that the libraries are open it 24 hours a day - and for a reason. However, if you have used to be in the top 10 percent of your class, but he obtained in Colombia with only 1330 s SAT, you may want to think about how you feel if you are not one of the best students y. Your personal commitment to learning, your individual learning style, your ability to resist increased competition at the College - all these are important determinants of you will learn how well - and grow - at the College. Take into account when making your final selection.

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