Let’s get real for a moment. As high school goers, parents promise that after the board exams, it will be our time to relax. But the reality sets in soon after the last exam gets over. A brief moment of relief is quickly followed by the anticipation of results and choosing the right institution for further studies. 

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There is rarely a firm yes in the face of multiple options. But with adequate research, information and planning, the rigorous process of selecting a college can be made simplified. 

So here are a few tips that will help you choose from the best colleges in Asansol: 

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What are your goals?

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Each of us are unique individuals and it is absolutely okay to have different goals and priorities. You do not have to conform to the expectations of your peers, neighbours, parents or relatives. So take adequate time to think about what you want to do with your life in the three upcoming years. 

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Would you want to join the working force right after college as a graduate or continue with studying for your post-graduation? 

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Write down your goals on a piece of paper and then conduct your research for colleges in Asansol that cater to your needs and wants.

 

Subject choice

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If you have already narrowed down the subject you would want to study in college, this step is relatively easy. All you need to do is prepare a list of colleges that offer your subject. Make sure to focus on the colleges which have not only the best departments for the subject of your choice, but also offer excellent programs for the subject. 

For example, if you wish to study International Relations, your choice of colleges should offer a major along with student exchange programs and foreign language programs. 

But if you are still not sure about a major, the next tips will help you gain clarity. 

 

Quality of the department

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Consider rankings or grades (awarded by NAAC) of a college in terms of the major you have selected. There are instances where the university or the college has an average ranking, but the department of your choice has records of excellence. In such cases, the department matters more than the college as a whole. Check for the professional background of the faculty members. This will also inform you about the student to faculty ration. It is a crucial factor to narrow down of a college since a huge student population and a handful of professors will lead to mismanagement, lack of student support and an overall unpleasant college experience. 

 

Accreditation 

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Accreditations are awarded to colleges and universities based on their overall performance and speaks volumes about the quality of education imparted by the departments, college cultures, and an overall experience of studying there. 

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This accreditation is allotted by NAAC or National Assessment and Accreditation Council- an autonomous body established by the University Grants Commission (UGC) of India. 

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It is important for colleges and universities to UGC approved and NAAC graded since it attached value to the degree a student would earn from the institutions. NAAC accreditation also helps with funding so that researches and publications continue uninterrupted.   

 

Location 

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Are you willing to attend a local college and not worry about the living arrangements (home means no rent and free food!)? Or do you want to avail the lodging available in the college campus and get a taste of canteen food? Such questions will also help you narrow down a few college that fit your bill. 

 

Private versus Public

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Public colleges and universities are fully state funded or receive considerable aid from the government. On the other hand, private colleges are funded by their own endowment funds and tuition fees from students. Individual donors are also known to contribute to the functioning of the college. 

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The difference between the private and public funded institutions are unfortunately huge. Tuition fees in public college are meagre in comparison to the private ones. But the amenities and facilities offered by the former institutions are not always top-notch. However, the question of affordability for students come into play as the private colleges are heavily dependent on students’ tuition fees. This point takes us to the next topic of discussion.

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Affordability 

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Before being absolutely certain of a college for your three years of education, make sure to compare the fees that the students are required to pay. Some colleges have the option of financial aid in place for people who cannot afford their tuition fees. 

Find out whether the fees to be paid is worth it and then balance it out. Do what works best for you. 

 

Course curriculum and internship options

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Look for the detailed course curriculum and see what other universities and colleges are offering. A good curriculum should cover all the important aspects of the subject.

Internships that last of at least a month are important to provide you with a hands-on experience of the work culture and the kind of job you might have to do in future. 

 

Campus recruitments

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If you are someone who wants to land a job soon after your graduation, take a close look at the department of college placement. Some important factors that you should investigate are- number of students being placed annually, companies visiting the college for recruitment. 

 

Sports and on-campus activities

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In India, sports quote helps students to get placed once they complete their college education. 

But don’t be disheartened if you do not play a sport. Check for other activities like college publications, campus radio, and extra-curricular activity like swimming or music.  Find out whether the college has an infrastructure and trainers for these facilities. 

Remember, college education is one of the most crucial investment you will ever do for yourself in life in terms of time as well as money. Don’t fall into peer pressure and join an institution just for the sake of it. If you are still unsure and need more guidance in choosing the best college for you in Asansol, talk to a counsellor.