A service of Randolph-Macon College, a coeducational, liberal arts college in Ashland, Virginia.

We want you to select the college that will best satisfy your needs, interests, lifestyle, and personal and professional goals. A good "match" between you and your college will be the key to your success and happiness over the next four years. To help you make that difficult final decision, we offer the following helpful hints which may assist you in determining the college that is right for you.

1. VISIT EVERY COLLEGE

Visit (or revisit) every college you are considering, preferably during a week when classes are in session. We recommend that you tour the campus, attend one or two classes, meet with faculty in the department which interests you, eat in the dining hail, and, perhaps most importantly, talk with current students. Students are the best sources of information about the college; they will talk honestly and knowledgeably about the social life, academic program, atmosphere on campus, dorm life, and other topics that are important to you. If possible, plan to spend one night in a college dormitory. The overnight visit will enable you to chat informally with students, get the "feel" of the campus, and "sample" life as a student. The Admissions Office at most colleges will arrange an overnight visit for you, either before or after acceptance. Remember that you are not just choosing a place to go to school; you are also choosing a home for the next four years. This "home" must satisfy your personal as well as academic needs. It should be a place where you feel comfortable, relaxed, involved, and challenged.

2. CONSIDER ACTUAL COST RATHER THAN "STICKER PRICE"

Unfortunately, some students base their college choice on the "sticker price" - the full cost for tuition, fees, room and board - rather than on the actual cost of attending. Most colleges offer significant amounts of financial aid, including non-repayable grants, to students with demonstrated need. In addition, colleges frequently offer installment payment plans, low interest loans, academic scholarships, jobs on campus, and other forms of aid to students, irrespective of need. Aid is also available from other sources, including community groups and the state. . . When all forms of aid are considered, a college education, either private or public, can be surprisingly affordable. Apply for aid, (even if you don't think you'll qualify and consider actual cost when making your final decision

3. CONTACT AN ENROLLED STUDENT

Try to contact a student from your high school or home town who is enrolled at each college you are considering. If you don't know anyone at a particular college, ask the Admissions Office there to provide you with the name, address, and phone number of a student you could contact. Write or call the students and ask those "tough" questions you've been holding back - questions about campus life, difficulty of courses, dorm life, relations between students and professors, and general satisfaction of students with the college. Remember, no question is dumb if the answer is important to you.

4. GET ANSWERS TO KEY QUESTIONS

You may have key questions which would be better answered by individuals at the college other than current students. Some questions might include:

* Does the college have an active Career Center to help me prepare for a successful job search after graduation?

• What percentage of graduates are accepted to graduate, medical, or law school?
  
• What help is available if I have difficulty with English, math, or another subject?
  
• Will I have ready access to computers and other equipment on campus?
  
• What is the typical class size, and how much individual attention will I receive?
  
• What intramural or intercollegiate sports are available?
  
• What percentage of the students engage in athletics?
  
• What is the "atmosphere" on campus? Friendly? Relaxed? Competitive? Pressured?
  
• What is the faculty like? Caring? Friendly? Aloof? Rigid?
  
• Do professors or graduate students teach freshman courses?
  

Of course, your questions and concerns may be different from those listed above, but be sure that all your questions are answered fully before making your final decision. The Admissions Office and other college offices will, in most cases, be happy to provide you with the information you want.

5. TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS

Selecting a college may be one of the first major decisions which you have had to make. It is important for you to make an "informed" decision. You will also find, however, that your ultimate choice will be partially emotional based on a feeling about where you will best fit in and be most happy. Even among colleges which are similar in size, quality, and academic offerings, each is unique in atmosphere, student makeup, and general "feel". In the final analysis, one college will most likely "feel right" to you. You will be able to easily imagine yourself being a student there. Go with your instincts!

6. CHECK AND STICK TO DEADLINES

While Randolph-Macon and most reputable colleges subscribe to the May 1 Candidates Reply Date [also called the Common Reply Date] for students to make their final commitment to a college, some colleges, including R-MC, assign dorm rooms in the order that the reservation deposits are received. If you know you want to attend a particular college and have a specific dorm preference, you may wish to consider indicating your intention to enlist prior to May 1. Remember, however, that May 1 is officially the date when a decision must be made. Do not let colleges press you for a "premature" decision. Act only when you are comfortable with your decision!