FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN SELECTING A COLLEGE.

1. Cost: This is by far the most important factor to consider. Although there are opportunities for scholarships in various institutions, you can only pay for what you are able to afford. Are you able to afford the cost of this education if you were admitted? What other colleges might offer the same program of study for less? Are there opportunities available for scholarships, financial aid or work study programs? Most colleges will have a scholarship or financial aid department. Make sure you ask for this information.

2. Location: Depending on your preference, you may want to be in a college that is near a city, suburb or country. Although your surroundings shouldn't be the deciding factor, they are definitely important when determining where you'd be the most comfortable. A strict adherence to a specific location can severely limit your college choices. It can be a good idea to consider some colleges outside the location that you currently prefer. Once you start learning about the colleges, your preferences may change, so it is best to keep an open mind. You may also find other factors that will take on greater importance than geography, so you do not want to eliminate a college before you consider whether it has some of the other attributes you are seeking.

3. Housing: Does the school have sufficient housing facilities? Is there available housing outside of the institution, and how affordable is it? :On-campus housing may be convinient for purposes of accessibility to the campus. Off-campus provides a level privacy that you may need. Which do you prefer?

4. Reputation: Some less well known schools provide a better education in specific fields of study than the more popular schools. You need to be able to distinguish between academic reputation and other aspects such as sports and student activities. A school that has a high retention and graduation rate with most of the graduates getting into the job market is obviously one to look out for. You can obtain this information from the admissions office or logistics department, if one exists.

5. Size: Do you learn best when you can talk to your teacher or is a large lecture hall where everyone is on their own something equally comfortable? Although some people are adaptive enough to fit in at a large or small college, most people find that one size will fit their needs better than another. A large college can be exciting, but lonely; a small college can be friendly, yet stifling. Most public and private universities in Kenya are large in size, with a student body of over 5,000. Therefore the issue of size will apply mostly to the smaller colleges offering certificate to higher diploma level courses. A smaller teacher-student ratio will mean more attention on you as a student, which may sometimes translate to better quality. Of course this does not mean that a smaller teacher-student ratio will always mean better quality. Other factors must be put in place.

6. Mixed or Single Sex: So far in Kenya, this is not a major issue in choice of college, since almost all institutions are mixed. However, with time this may become an important factor and it is important to be aware of the pros and cons of this criteria. Conversely, this factor is important when selecting any school, be it college, high school or primary school. Research shows that women who attend women's colleges participate more in class, develop much higher self-esteem, and score higher in aptitude tests versus women in coed colleges. Some of the factors that promote these advantages include small classes taught by lecturers dedicated to teaching, a higher percentage of female faculty and administrators than coed colleges, and female students in all leadership roles on campus. On the other hand, advocates of mixed colleges argue that women who attend all women's colleges isolate themselves from the "real world" and miss out on the intellectual and social diversity that men provide. Aside from Seminaries and boys high schools and primary schools, there are very few men's colleges in existence today.

7. Private or Public: Kenyan colleges are either privately or publicly funded. Public colleges are partially or fully funded by the government and will generally cost less than private colleges. However, student population is likely to be higher than those at private institutions meaning there is less personal interaction with the lecturers. Private colleges, on the other hand, are funded by tuition, fees, private gifts, corporate contributions, and endowments. Typically, this means that private colleges are more expensive than public colleges, while the student population will often be smaller than those at public colleges. Therefore, it is easier to get to know your lecturers and there are often more opportunities for tutoring or mentoring programs.

8. Safety: With the increase in the cases of insecurity on our colleges and universities, this factor cannot be ignored. The best way to find out about college safety and what a college does to ensure the safety and security of its students is to talk to current students or recent alumni.

9. Commitment to Major Field: Don't choose a college because of its reputation or specific programs unless you are strongly committed to one major. If you are likely to change your mind several times, choose a school where you can take some time to explore all the options. This option will mostly be found in private colleges. Some people perform better and learn more in a college that has a core curriculum or a number of requirements for graduation while others prefer exploring new fields on their own. Will you benefit from a structured curriculum, or do you want to develop new interests in your own time?

10. Religious vs. Non-Denominational: Although most private and all public colleges are secular, some colleges are operated by a religious organization and require religious activities and courses. Other colleges may be associated with a particular religion, yet students of varying religions attend the college and practice their own religions. In addition, religion has varying influence on the curriculum at these colleges and courses in religion may or may not be required.

11. Extracurricular Activities: Thinking about what you want to do outside of classes should also play a factor in your decision. Do not downplay the importance of participating in extracurricular activities in college; getting involved on campus will lead to a more fulfilling college experience and will be viewed positively when you look for your first job out of school.