With a master’s in economics from the University of Missouri, Michael Berlau serves as a college solutions specialist with College Funding and Planning in Overland Park, Kansas. Michael Berlau assists students and their families in all aspects of college planning, including how to calculate the Expected Family Contribution and how to ensure students attend the college best suited for them.
When choosing a college, students typically consider factors such as the rankings and reputation of the institution and how much it costs to attend. The following are three important yet often-overlooked factors to think about when selecting a college.
1. Academic assistance. Some academic institutions offer students remedial courses and tutoring in subjects such as English and math when extra educational support is needed. Students who have benefited from help outside of the normal classroom curriculum should determine whether their prospective institutions offer these types of additional learning programs.
2. Safety on campus. Every college is required by law to publish an annual crime statistics report. This report details the incidence of assaults, burglaries, and all other serious crimes taking place on campus. Before selecting a college, prospective students should review these statistics and learn what safety prevention measures are in place to protect those on campus.
3. Extracurricular programs. Students interested in participating in a non-academic activity should contact each institution to learn about related groups, committees, and teams. Involvement in certain activities may be competitive, but extracurriculars are ideal for developing and showcasing skills in areas such as leadership and can be valuable for finding a job post-graduation.
