择校很关键，我在美高担任大学申请指导办公室主任，负责全校学生的美本升学，下边我直接把关于择校的内部文件分享出来，希望对我们中国学生和家庭有所帮助。至于公立私立，及跨州申请策略，这个话题要具体分析，如家长需要，我也会为您分享。
ACADEMICS
More than anything else, you go to college for the education. So, academic atmosphere and courses offered are important. Colleges offer a variety of majors or courses of study. If you know what you want to study, choose a college with a strong program in that field. If you are unsure, choose a liberal arts college or university with a variety of options. Try to match your abilities to the college’s selectivity so that the college you choose is stimulating, but not overwhelming.
SIZE
Colleges can range in size from less than 1,000 students to over 50,000 students. Small schools may offer more personalized attention. Large schools could have more options and resources. To determine what is right for you, ask yourself a few questions: Will I feel closed in at a small college, or will I welcome the personal, friendly atmosphere? Will I feel overwhelmed at a large university, surrounded by so many unfamiliar faces? Is meeting new people more important than seeing faces I
know? When visiting colleges, make sure to visit ones of varying sizes to see what environment might
be best for you.
STUDENT BODY
A student body can be comprised of all men, all women, or both. Dormitory privileges, social activities, and extracurricular involvements vary by the type of student body. Some colleges may be primarily comprised of students from that state or geographic area, while others may have students from across the nation or world. Some colleges are commuter schools and have few, if any, dormitories with very little campus activities on nights and weekends. Other colleges have multiple dormitories and students are on campus throughout the school year.
LOCATION
When considering location, think about the cost and ease of travel, and your need for independence versus your desire to be near your family. For some, weather might be a deciding factor. Some people like the bright lights and fast pace of bigger cities, while others prefer the seclusion of suburban or rural areas. Note that colleges like geographic diversity; you may be more attractive to a college because of where you are from.
COST
Obviously, cost is a major factor. The total cost for a year–including tuition, fees, room and board, books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses—varies from one college to another. Do not limit your college choices to only those you can afford. Many expensive private colleges have solid financial aid programs, which may cover anywhere from 10% to 100% of your tuition and fees. Additionally, home state public institutions offer less expensive tuition rates. However, financial aid can be uncertain, so it is a good plan is to choose several colleges, including ones you can afford and ones where you will need aid.
