Choosing a university: look beyond admission scores
When choosing a university, you tend to decide based on standard scores or popularity, but you are the one who will spend your four years there. Decide first what is important to you and then compare each university using the same measuring stick.
Quick checklist
- Look at third- and fourth-year university courses. All first year classes are similar. Check the content of specialized subjects and seminars on the syllabus and think about whether you want to study them for two years.
- Look inside for employment results. Look beyond the employment rate: check where graduates of each department actually work or continue studying.
- Compare the total amount for 4 years. In addition to tuition fees, there are also commuting costs, rent and living expenses for those living alone. Also look into available scholarships and exemption systems.
- Get a feel for campus on an open day. If you ask current students what they found surprising after joining the school, you will get information that is not in the pamphlet.
- Try commuting. A 90-minute trip each way means three hours per campus day. Multiply that by your attendance schedule and try the journey at your usual hours.
Compare with your family
If you disagree with your parents, try using ``comparison between the two''. If each person assigns a score based on their own weight, it will be possible to see where opinions are divided. Is it tuition fees, distance, or the field you want to study? This will be a starting point for discussion.
Decide on the necessary conditions
Make non-negotiable conditions ``required,'' such as ``can commute from home'' and ``limited to national and public schools.'' Universities that score below the minimum score are automatically dropped and you can calmly compare the remaining candidates.