Find the Right School for YOU

The search for the right college or university is also a search inside—for your passions, aspirations, and visions of the future. It can be daunting and incredibly exciting. These five questions will help you narrow a long list of schools to a manageable number of options.

Does the school specialize?
If you don’t know whether you want to be an artist or a physicist, a liberal arts university may be best. If your goals are more specific, look for a school with a strong focus in your subject area. For example, an aspiring artist who chooses an art school can immerse herself in a vast and deep curriculum across the arts. She also has the chance to engage in cross-departmental collaborations with peers in related disciplines.

How large are the classes?
It’s best to get away from the huge lecture hall syndrome and into classes with more opportunities for personal mentorship and interaction with classmates.

Are faculty members active in their fields?
It’s an advantage to learn from faculty members who are active practitioners in their fields because they bring current industry knowledge and tools into the classroom.

Does it prepare you for a career?
Whatever your major, it’s a good idea to engage in relevant, practical projects and internships that help you apply your learning in the real world. English majors can take journalism courses; designers can intern with interior design or product design firms.

How does location enhance your program?
An urban location can be ripe with opportunities to collaborate on projects with local businesses and network with professionals in your field. For example, students at NewSchool of Architecture and Design, in downtown San Diego, use the city as a living laboratory and contribute to actual local architecture and design projects.