New Survey of High School Students Reveals Unexpected Factors for Choosing a College

A recent survey conducted by My College Guide refutes earlier assumptions and provides data that other factors besides a school's ranking are important when selecting a college or university.

Jupiter, FL (PRWeb) February 6, 2007 -- For years, most colleges were under the impression that high-performing high school students were interested mainly in institutions with high rankings. A recent survey conducted by My College Guide refutes earlier assumptions and provides data that other factors besides a school's ranking are important when selecting a college or university. The survey also shows that students rank certain extracurricular activities lower than might be expected.

The survey was sent to high-achieving students with a median GPA of 3.8 and was conducted in July 2006 via e-mails sent to student-readers of My College Guide. "Strength in my intended major" and "financial aid availability" topped the list with over 90% saying these would be "most important" or "very important" factors when making a decision to attend a particular college. Other factors included location (such as distance from home, 64%) and size (55%).

This data gives colleges that might not otherwise consider recruiting high-achieving students new insight. Schools that assumed high-achieving students were only interested in high-ranking institutions may now recruit these students more actively than before. While "academic ranking or reputation" of a school was considered to be important by 89% of respondents, only 37% of those rated it as a "most important" factor. "Strength in intended major" and "financial aid availability" were both rated as "most important" factors by 59% and 56% of respondents, respectively.

While "clubs, activities and intramurals" (70%) and "social life" (66%) were deemed important, the presence of fraternities and sororities and the availability of athletic programs were viewed as important by only 20% and 39% of students, respectively.

The U.S. Census Bureau 2007 Statistical Abstract shows a defined trend toward receiving a college education. From 1990 to 2005, the percentage of U.S. citizens who have attained a college degree has risen as much as 12% depending on the state. Also, SAT scores have steadily risen nationally over the past 38 years. These factors have made gaining admission to the nation's top-ranked schools more competitive.

The My College Guide survey is consistent with this trend and indicates that talented students may look at a broader range of schools. Using the information in this survey, colleges can now focus their recruitment and marketing efforts in a more effective manner.

My College Guide (found online at http://www.mycollegeguide.org) is an annual magazine mailed to high-achieving high school sophomores, most of whom participate in one of the various talent search programs such as those at Duke and Northwestern University. The publication contains articles and information about topics pertinent to students who are making decisions about their higher education.