Going from high school to college is a really big deal — but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Knowing the basics will help you prepare. To make the process of finding the right school a little less stressful, here are six important things consider in your search.
1.) Results
An apprenticeship must be a wise investment in your future – and one that pays off. Look beyond the cost and consider the results. Student loans are manageable (and often less expensive per month than mandatory state withholding tax) if you have an excellent resume to build on and secure a high starting salary.
Collect data and compare placement rates within six months of graduation, average early career compensation, and return on investment. Ask about campus career fairs and companies that visit campus to recruit students for full-time jobs, as well as collaborations and internships. How you can differentiate yourself during your studies often contributes to your success after graduation.
“Gerdau sees MTU students as having a level of dedication and steadfastness that’s not easy to find. Do you combine these values with the approach that MTU follows with its practice-oriented laboratories, highly qualified professors, diversity initiatives and numerous leadership opportunities through projects, work and student organizations? These are the reasons why Gerdau is one of hundreds of employers who dare to make the journey to UP every year.”
Amazon, IKEA, General Motors, Kimberly Clark, Los Alamos National Laboratory and more than 200 other companies and organizations make Michigan Tech a recruiting destination for our Spring Career Fair. You know that tomorrow’s talent is at Michigan’s flagship technology university.
See Michigan Tech pay you back.
2.) class size
The average class size of a university is important. Too big and you’re just a number. Too small and you may not have access to the opportunities you need to advance. Find a tight-knit campus to learn at—a place that offers opportunities to differentiate on campus so your education can differentiate you in the workplace.
You will have some larger lectures at Tech, but the average class size is 25 and our student-to-faculty ratio is 13 to 1. You will know professors and they will know you by name. Ask questions and join the discussion. Get more out of your teaching experience.
3.) Support
It’s a fact. College is hard. Maintaining your health and overall well-being while navigating your college experience is critical to being successful. It’s okay to ask for help — from academic support to mental health and disability services. Be sure to review the resources and programs available on campus (or while you work or take distance learning) to help you be physically, mentally, and academically healthy and thriving.
Support resources to consider:
4.) Security
Campus safety and policies are important factors when choosing a school—as is the safety of the surrounding area. The large community is directly connected to a university. What types of safety resources does a school have? Knowing the school’s policies and procedures regarding student safety can be helpful in deciding whether or not this is the best solution.
Michigan Tech is proud to be ranked as the the safest public university in Michigan through niche.com.
5.) location
Location plays an important role in your college experience, and it’s important to consider a school’s city, town, and community. Would you like to see the city lights or the Northern Lights? The way the community interacts with the college – and its students – is also important. Finally, consider the location’s opportunities to expand your interests and explore new activities and hobbies.
“The campus is located on Michigan’s finest playground – the Upper Peninsula – and borders the Keweenaw Waterway, which connects to Lake Superior. Huskies spend a lot of time outdoors exploring, skiing, swimming, hiking, biking and even dog sledding.”
Join us
When you’re not busy being smart and reading the books, you can find countless opportunities to get involved with Michigan Tech.
6.) Fit
How you feel about a school is perhaps the most important factor in your decision. The excitement of game day fades away, so make sure your daily experience is truly rich and rewarding.
Make time for a campus tour so you can explore the campus. Observe how the students interact with each other and consider whether the atmosphere seems more collaborative or competitive. Schedule an interview with a professor or academic advisor for your intended major. Ask students what they like – and dislike – about their school. Look for student organizations and activities that you would like to join. Find a place where you feel like you belong – where you are an integral part of the community and where you can discover and grow with others who support you.
“Michigan Tech is known for giving students access to the support, mentoring and resources they need to be successful. We are here to support students and ensure they stay on the path to graduation. That’s what we do – and we’re good at it. We work with faculty, academic advisors, academic department chairs, deans of MTU colleges and other colleagues on campus to support and assist students in completing their studies.”
Most importantly, look for the things that matter most to you and trust your gut. If it feels right, you’ll be a lot happier in your new college home.
Michigan Technological University is a public research university founded in 1885 in Houghton, Michigan and is home to more than 7,000 students from 55 countries around the world. Consistently ranked among the top universities in the country for return on investment, the university offers more than 125 undergraduate and graduate programs in science and technology, engineering, computer science, forestry, business and economics, healthcare professions, liberal arts, mathematics, social sciences, and the arts . Located just a few miles from Lake Superior on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the rural campus offers year-round outdoor adventure opportunities.
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