11/11/2014 | Finding the Right College

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Finding the Right CollegeK E N D IS A IA | S E N IOR V P , E N R OL L M E N T M A N A GE M E N T , J OH N S ON & W A L E SU N IV E R S IT Y

Over the course of my 28-year career in Johnson & Wales University admissions, I’ve met thousands of students in thecollege search process. It’s a major milestone for students – a time filled with excitement, opportunity, and even someapprehension.

Students and families invest much more than money in a college education. To ensure the investment pays off in terms of a“right fit” school, it helps to start by looking inward. “What are you looking for in a college?” or “What’s important to you?”These are some of the first questions I’ll ask a prospective student.

Here are some points to consider:

Majors – Not every school has the same program offerings. If students know what they want tostudy, they need to make sure the major is offered at colleges they are considering.

Location – Urban or rural? Close to home or hours away? Mountainous terrain or beachside?While it might be difficult to find a college whose location meets every specification on astudent’s wish list, appropriate investigating should reveal many options.

Athletics/Sports – Some students know they want to be in the crowd for ESPN’s CollegeGameDay. Others might want to compete themselves, but not in the national spotlight. Maybe anintramurals or club sports program would suffice. Whether seeking fandom, a roster spot, or an outlet for staying active,consider the options at different schools.

Campus Activities – Many students have passions outside of academics, and keeping them alive during college adds somuch to their experience. DECA is a great example. At Johnson & Wales, we give students an opportunity to participate on

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the collegiate level (we had 75 students compete at ICDC last year!). Other students want Greek life, a ski club, musicopportunities, and more.

On-campus Living – Living away from home for the first time is a rite of passage for many students, and most schools areready to help make that happen. Consider different housing options: traditional dorms, suite or apartment-style living. Isparking provided to first-year students? What kind of dining options are there? While the initial adjustment may be achallenge, college quickly feels like home to many.

Affordability – The financial commitment made toward a college education cannot be understated. While the “stickerprice” of most schools is daunting, very few applicants end up paying full price. Students should certainly look at publishedtuition and fees, but also consider discounting options. Does the school offer merit aid for academic achievement orinvolvement in organizations like DECA? (JWU does!) What percentage of the student body receives financial aid, andwhat is the average award? If a student is truly focused on a particular school, they should not rule it out because of costwithout completing the financial aid process first.

These are just a few of the many options students should consider when selecting a school. They can find answers toquestions online. Use search sites like Peterson’s or College Board, or visit schools’ websites. Better yet, visit schools inperson. That may be the best way for students to visualize themselves as members of campus communities.

I like to compare the college search to solving a puzzle. By keeping track of the pieces involved and working hard to findthe best fit, students can end up with a college choice that best meets their individual needs.

Kenneth DiSaia, chair of DECA’s National Advisory Board, is senior vice president of enrollment management for Johnson& Wales University. He can be reached at kdisaia@jwu.edu.

Follow Johnson & Wales University on Twitter @JWUProvidence.