6 Factors to Consider When Selecting the Right High School

6 Factors to Consider When Selecting the Right High School

Guest post by Dickson Li (Share your tips with 58,000+ Malaysian students)

Selecting an appropriate high school is one of the best and most critical decisions anyone can make in his or her life. Such decisions not only affect your college or university preferences, but also our career and further studies prospects.

This is why students need to consider these below explained variables before finalizing their high school.

Cost

Unarguably, one of the most decisive and sensitive factors when it comes to selecting a high school, is the foremost consideration that lower and middle class (even upper class in some cases) families think about before sending their children to the school. Ask yourself if you can truly afford the tuition fees of your shortlisted high school. Remember, there are many institutions that offer some forms of financial aid, such as scholarships, to students who aren't able to afford regular tuition fees of college or university degree programs.

Selectivity

Apparently, some schools in your list will top others in some way or other. It is wise to research the acceptance ratio of your preferred school before you start applying. It is obvious that top colleges in any city or state are quite specific and strict in their selection criteria, not everyone finds it easier to apply at such places. The brand name of institutions does matter undoubtedly, but what eventually matters most is the quality of learning and experience you gain throughout your academic tenure.

Extras for international students

If you're an international student crossing your regional boundaries to pursue high school education in a foreign country, then understandably you need to inquire the details and programs available for international students. Most commonly and importantly, ask if the school has ample programs, facilities, and extracurricular activities to help the international students settle in the new culture and environment. In short, your school must be genuinely inclined to cater your best interests whenever, wherever possible.

Number of graduates enrolled in top colleges and universities

Now this might seem suited more for sophomores, but it is better to inquire whether the high school you're choosing justifies its claims in terms of quality education and provides a number of lucrative career options or not. In case you aren't sure whether a graduate school enlists in your future plans or not, examine the acceptance rate of graduates. The point is to affirm that you'll be having sufficient choices after graduation.

Socialization

Apparently, your college or university will be your "home" for the next 4 years. This is the phase in life where you form the most powerful social connections. For example, all the students might either be living in the campus's hostel or off-campus. Regardless, students are involved in a plethora of extracurricular activities both on and off the campus. This is what students need to ask themselves before selecting a high school or college. What are the facilities the institution is offering? Does those interest you? How sociable is the school?

Retention and 4-year graduation rate

Before finalizing your high school, you will be tempted to know the percentage of students who start and complete the 4-year degree program without any delays, the students who continue in the same institution for further studies, etc.

Provided the transfer rate of credits and students to other programs or institutions is unusually high, then it's most likely that the needs of the students aren't being catered as meant or promised. Furthermore, also ask the percentage of students who are able to earn their degrees within the standard 4-year time, due to the fact that some institutions prolong the program by a semester or two. The thing is, are you prepared to spend more time and money to acquire your degree?

Dickson Li a professional career counsellor and has worked under some of the best institutions worldwide. Apart from his routine job in educating students towards paths of academic and professional excellence, Li is also an online assignment writing help specialist with many college and university level disciplines under his brand of expertise. Liked this post? Subscribe now to read more post like this one! Tweet