When you’re choosing your major and degree program, it can feel like there are an infinite number of options to choose from. Which one should you choose? Are all of them right for you? While it’s true that there’s no wrong choice, some degrees will allow you to make the most of your strengths while finding fulfillment in what you’re doing each day. When choosing which program to pursue, consider these three tips on selecting the right university program for you.
Have a clear vision of your goals
Consider what you want to do post-university, and then determine which program at that school will help you achieve your goals. Consider what is important to you in a program: the location, the size of the class, or if it’s in a foreign language. Choose something attainable and realistic for you academically. Think about where you are coming from: Have you taken AP courses? Did you study abroad? What were your high school GPA/WASSCE results?
Hiring an advisor can be helpful as they can guide you through this process by looking at your grades, interests, and extracurricular activities.
Don’t forget to consider things like cost! So, figure out how much money you have to pay for your choice of program.
The university website should also be helpful because it contains detailed information on each program. You’ll also need to apply early as some programs get full very quickly!
Understand what you want from your education
Choosing what program to enroll in can be overwhelming, but understanding what you want from your education will help you know what is essential to you. Do you want a degree that will give you a solid skill set and lead to a lucrative job? Or would you rather graduate with more diverse knowledge, giving yourself more options and flexibility? Do you need class credits or just interested in learning? All of these are factors to think about when choosing your school and course.
Consider the culture of your institution and make sure it suits your personality. Some schools might have better programs than others but they may not be a good fit because they won’t provide an environment that is right for you academically, socially, or culturally.
Think about your learning style
Consider how you learn to choose a university program that best suits your needs. There are three main learning styles: kinesthetic, visual, and auditory. Which one you are can affect what is helpful to you.
Kinesthetic learners benefit from hands-on experiences or movement of any kind (e.g., walking around).
Visual learners benefit from graphics or diagrams and need to see things are written out in some way or another (e.g., words on a page).
Auditory learners need to listen carefully and may be bothered by background noise while they try to process information (e.g., someone watching TV during class). They are being aware of your learning style can help when selecting which university program to apply for.
