In our previous blog, you learned some of the important factors that are crucial to consider while short-listing your university. Adding more to the topic, here are some more factors which should also be considered at the time of short-listing your university.
Financial aid: There are numerous opportunities for students to apply for financial aid today. Options include 
federal or state grants, scholarships, and student loans. As universities generally publish information regarding the percentage of students who have received aid, you will have a good idea about your chances of receiving aid by browsing through these figures for various universities.
Practical training: Some universities provide opportunities for their students to receive hands-on training by including these in the curriculum. This is usually done through internships, practicum and lab work.
Freshmen retention rate: This is a good indicator of student satisfaction at prospective universities. Universities with higher retention rates indicate that more students return to the university, which also means there is a higher chance that they are happy at that university.
University Size: While not one of the most conventional factors that students consider when deciding on their university, this does matter as some students are happier to be a part of large lively universities, while others are happier in smaller universities where they will be surrounded by more friendly faces and less likely to be overwhelmed.
Job placements: Some universities are more involved in helping their students get placed while others are not. In addition to this, programs from some universities are valued more than the same program from other universities. In order to your research, you can just check the university’s website or get in touch with the alumni of that particular university via forums or college fairs, etc.
Career Services: Many universities provide career services for their students and it is important to find a university with an active career services office. Counseling, interview preparation, resume reviews and job hunting, are just some of the very useful services this office will provide.
Professors and department of study: The caliber of your professor is perhaps the strongest indicator of the quality of education you will receive. Do your research on the professor’s background and areas of interest. Former students are rarely shy about expressing their views and you will find out more about the professor’s teaching style, approachability, helpfulness and so on, by reading these reviews. In addition to professors, you also need to do your research on the department. Some universities may have excellent departments even if their university isn’t in the global top 20 or and Ivy League college. Make sure the department will cater to your needs and help you get where you want to go.
Greek Life: If you are one of those students interested in being a part of a sorority or fraternity, you may want to do your research on each university’s houses.
Dining options: Make sure you do your research on the meal plans offered at each university. Most universities will cater to all sorts of dietary requirements, but it is always useful to know what is available.
Extracurricular activities: Universities with a larger number of extracurricular options are more likely to have what the activity that you want to be a part of.
Safety: While most universities will place a lot of emphasis on ensuring that their university is extremely safe for their students, it cannot hurt to check up on their safety measures.
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