By — Kenya Downs Kenya Downs Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/education/adviser-dispels-3-myths-on-choosing-a-school Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Adviser dispels 3 myths on choosing a school Education May 5, 2016 12:55 PM EDT High school seniors are applying to more colleges than ever. But despite being accepted into a first-choice college or university, many students are opting not to enroll for various reasons, including financial constraints. The Higher Education Research Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles, released its annual American Freshman survey, which includes the following statistics on how high school seniors are choosing their colleges. Eric Greenberg of the Greenberg Educational Group addresses some myths when it comes to choosing a school based on reputation and financial aid: When it comes to affordability, financial aid doesn’t have to be a deterrent: Myth: Once a college issues a financial aid package, it cannot be appealed. Fact: Students often can negotiate with a college about their financial aid package. If a student is admitted to a comparable school that costs less, it might be a good idea to appeal the original school’s financial aid award. There is no guarantee, but it is often worth a try. And it is important for students to let colleges know about any new financial circumstances that might impact the award. What about rankings? Myth: Ranking is the most important factor in selecting a college. Fact: The overall college “fit” is most important. Of course, a college’s ranking is a factor, but that number shouldn’t become more important than the student’s comfort level at the school. Four years is a long time, so it is best to carefully assess priorities. In the end, a high school senior’s initial choice won’t make or break his or her future: Myth: Employers look very closely at all colleges that a student attends. Fact: Where a student graduates from is more important than where he or she starts. For many students, starting at a less expensive college then transferring to a more expensive one can ease the overall financial burden. Join Greenberg and Joe Ramirez of the Higher Education Research Institute in a PBS NewsHour Twitter chat on college choices from 1-2 p.m. EDT on May 5. The chat is part of the NewsHour’s series on higher education in May. By — Kenya Downs Kenya Downs Kenya Downs is the digital reporter and producer for PBS NewsHour’s Race Matters and education verticals, creating multimedia content for online and television centered on issues of race and social justice, including exploring the intersection of identity and culture with education reform and policy. Kenya also contributes content related to the Caribbean region for NewsHour's international coverage. She’s previously worked with National Public Radio, Al-Jazeera Media Network and CBS News. Kenya is a graduate of both Howard University and American University and is based in Washington, D.C. @LiveFromKenya
High school seniors are applying to more colleges than ever. But despite being accepted into a first-choice college or university, many students are opting not to enroll for various reasons, including financial constraints. The Higher Education Research Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles, released its annual American Freshman survey, which includes the following statistics on how high school seniors are choosing their colleges. Eric Greenberg of the Greenberg Educational Group addresses some myths when it comes to choosing a school based on reputation and financial aid: When it comes to affordability, financial aid doesn’t have to be a deterrent: Myth: Once a college issues a financial aid package, it cannot be appealed. Fact: Students often can negotiate with a college about their financial aid package. If a student is admitted to a comparable school that costs less, it might be a good idea to appeal the original school’s financial aid award. There is no guarantee, but it is often worth a try. And it is important for students to let colleges know about any new financial circumstances that might impact the award. What about rankings? Myth: Ranking is the most important factor in selecting a college. Fact: The overall college “fit” is most important. Of course, a college’s ranking is a factor, but that number shouldn’t become more important than the student’s comfort level at the school. Four years is a long time, so it is best to carefully assess priorities. In the end, a high school senior’s initial choice won’t make or break his or her future: Myth: Employers look very closely at all colleges that a student attends. Fact: Where a student graduates from is more important than where he or she starts. For many students, starting at a less expensive college then transferring to a more expensive one can ease the overall financial burden. Join Greenberg and Joe Ramirez of the Higher Education Research Institute in a PBS NewsHour Twitter chat on college choices from 1-2 p.m. EDT on May 5. The chat is part of the NewsHour’s series on higher education in May.