Regardless of where you are in your life, choosing a college can be one of the most significant decisions in your life. The right college can provide you the tools and foundation to begin a career in the field that you want. Unfortunately, on the other side of the coin, choosing the wrong college can lead you toward a path of heavy debt and regret. This is why we recommend that you take some time and do your homework before deciding on a college. Here are some practical ideas that you might try.
- Make a decision about what type of degree or trade you are interested in pursuing. Identify and try to talk to people who are actually working in that field. Call a supervisor at a company you’re interested in working for one day. Some people are surprisingly open to providing guidance if they are simply asked. They might give you really valuable information, like what kind of college and degree they like to see on a resume when they hire employees.
- If you see an advertisement on television, on the internet, or hear it on the radio, and the college sounds too good to be true, follow your instinct. You’re right, it is too good to be true. The same can be said of recruiters trying to enroll you in the college. Don’t believe everything a college tells you, especially when it comes to job prospects and salaries.
- Do a simple Google search. You would be amazed by how much information there is-positive or negative-regarding different colleges. You will find all sorts of reviews from current and prior students. You might discover how the college is rated and ranked in your field of interest. You might also discover that your college is in the headlines for the wrong reasons, like bankruptcy or big lawsuits.
- Visit colleges. Talk to a few students at those colleges and let them know you are considering attending the college. See if they have a minute to answer a few questions. You might get some really insightful information that will help in your decision-making. They may tell you that attending that college was one of their worst decisions!
- Don’t make any immediate decisions if a college offers you a student loan. This is especially true if the payments seem high, but the college representative tells you it won’t be a problem. This is a massive red flag. Always tell them that you are going to do your homework before agreeing to any student debt.
If you have been harmed by a for-profit college, call the Moss Bollinger law firm. We have built a reputation of smart, confident attorneys who fight for consumers against the businesses that harm them. We charge no initial fees and only get paid if you get pad. Call Moss Bollinger today at (866) 535-2994 for a free consultation or complete our online form.