A College Decision-Making Guide and Journal
A College Decision-Making Guide and Journal
regis.edu/rc/perfectfit
You have a big decision to make. When it comes to choosing where you want to spend the next four years, everything matters—from the school’s location to the personality of its students. But don’t worry. We’re here to help.
FINDING THE PERFECT FIT A COLLEGE DECISION-MAKING GUIDE
TABLE OF CONTENTS PART 1:
Looking Inward Get to know yourself and your needs a little better by asking 5 important questions. Page 1
PART 2:
Looking Outward It’s your turn to give out grades. Rank each college you visit based on 20 important topics. Page 13
It may seem like a daunting task, but choosing the right college is really just a matter of looking inward at your own personality and needs, looking outward at what each school has to offer you, and then comparing answers to find the best match. And that’s exactly what this journal will help you do. Because, at the end of the day, we truly want you to be happy.
FINDING THE PERFECT FIT A COLLEGE DECISION-MAKING GUIDE
PART 1: LOOKING INWARD
5 questions on what matters to you. Finding your perfect fit takes more than just researching the individual schools. You also have to research yourself a bit— and figure out exactly what it is that you’re looking for in your college and in your future. The more you know about yourself before you start visiting campuses, the easier your decision will be in the end.
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PART 1: LOOKING INWARD
Regis University Men’s Soccer
TAKE AN HONEST LOOK AT YOUR PERSONALITY What types of people do you enjoy being around? Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Were you born to be a leader? Would you rather be a big fish in a small pond or the other way around? Regis University is part of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC), Division II Varsity Athletics.
Regis University Campus
O’Sullivan Art Gallery
What did you learn about yourself?
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Fr. Greg Boyle, Executive Director of Homeboy Industries and Author of Tattoos on the Heart
PART 1: LOOKING INWARD
TAKE A MOMENT TO EXAMINE YOUR VALUES AND MORALS Does faith play an important role in your life? Do you strive to make a difference in the world around you? Regis students, faculty and
Do you enjoy giving back to your community?
staff provide gazillions of community service hours every year both locally and around the globe.
What did you learn about yourself?
Ethiopia Intercultural Immersion Trip
Colorado Flood Cleanup
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PART 1: LOOKING INWARD
Denver Art Museum
THINK ABOUT WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPIEST Do you love to spend time exploring the outdoors? Are you a fan of sports or music? Can you spend hours wandering through an art museum or searching for the perfect slice of pizza? Colorado happens to be the 2nd happiest state in the country (it’s tough to beat Hawaii).
Day of Rock, Denver, Colorado
Mountain Biking
What did you learn about yourself?
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PART 1: LOOKING INWARD
Éclair: School of Physical Therapy Service Dog in training
PRETEND YOU’RE LOOKING INTO YOUR OWN CRYSTAL BALL Where do you see yourself when you graduate? What does it say on the degree you’re holding? What’s your passion? Regis bachelor’s degree graduates earn some of the highest starting
What’s your dream career? (Remember, it’s OK to dream big.)
salaries in the state.
What did you learn about yourself?
Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science
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PART 1: LOOKING INWARD
Downtown Denver, Colorado
LOCATION IS A BIG DEAL Do you thrive in the big city? Or do you feel more at home in the countryside or the mountains? And speaking of home, do you need to stick close by or are you ready to wander?
Denver has the second highest number of college graduates per capita in the U.S.
What did you learn about yourself?
Breckenridge, Colorado
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PART 2: LOOKING OUTWARD
Moving onward by looking outward. Now that you’ve got a better idea of what matters to you, it’s time to take a closer look at the colleges you’re considering. And campus visits are the perfect time to do that. Take a good look around at the students, the faculty, the location, the buildings, the community. Remember, everything matters.
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PART 2: LOOKING OUTWARD
QUESTIONS FOR YOUR TOUR GUIDES Your tour guides and the school staff members will cover a lot during your visit—but they might not cover everything you’d like to know. Here’s a list of ten questions you may want to ask while you have the chance.
15 Nobel Laureate visits in the past eight years.
1.
What is your favorite activity or tradition on campus? What do you do on the weekends for fun?
2.
What percentage of freshman return for their sophomore year?
3.
What is the hardest class you’ve had to take? What helped you get through it?
4.
How big are the classes? And are they taught by professors? Or will I have teaching assistants or graduate students?
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5.
6.
Do classes fill up quickly and will I have a difficult time getting into the course I need? How much should I save for textbooks?
How accessible are the professors and advisors? If I email them, how quickly do they respond? Are they easy to talk to?
7.
What kinds of internship or study abroad opportunities do you have? Are there a lot of jobs on campus to earn money?
8.
Do you like the food on campus? Where are the best places to go eat off campus?
Regis University College #1
DATE OF VISIT
VISITING WITH
9.
Will I need a car to get around or are things within walking distance?
THE WEATHER
MY MOOD
10.
Why did you come here? What advice would you give me for my first year?
REGIS UNIVERSITY
College #1
PART 2: LOOKING OUTWARD
PART 2: LOOKING OUTWARD
Visit regis.edu/rc/perfectfit for more helpful information about making your decision.
20 THINGS THAT MATTER While your visit is still fresh in your mind, take a few minutes to rank Regis University based on how you feel about each of these 20 items. Need more info about a certain topic? Ask your tour guide, a student or a faculty member…don’t be shy!
1.
I can picture myself fitting in with the students here. FAIR
2.
I’d be happy spending the next four years on this campus. FAIR
3.
EXCELLENT
I’d be comfortable living in the residence halls here. FAIR
4.
EXCELLENT
EXCELLENT
The college staff was friendly and helpful. FAIR
EXCELLENT
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5.
11.
I like the size and layout of the campus. FAIR
EXCELLENT
I’m happy with the extracurricular activities offered here. FAIR
6.
The campus feels safe enough to walk around at night. FAIR
12. EXCELLENT
This school offers the courses and majors that I’m interested in. FAIR
7.
I like the look of the classrooms, lecture halls and other facilities. FAIR
13.
EXCELLENT
I’m happy with the cultural diversity of this school. FAIR
14. EXCELLENT
This school provides enough opportunities for volunteering or service learning. FAIR
EXCELLENT
15.
EXCELLENT
I’m confident I’ll be able to find a job after I graduate from here. FAIR
10.
EXCELLENT
I believe there’s enough of a support system in place to help me succeed in my studies. FAIR
9.
EXCELLENT
I’m happy with the class sizes and faculty to student ratio. FAIR
8.
EXCELLENT
EXCELLENT
This school is a good match for my beliefs and values. FAIR
EXCELLENT
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16.
I believe attending this school is a good investment in my future. FAIR
EXCELLENT
TOTAL SCORE: 17.
I’m comfortable with the availability of scholarships and financial aid at this school. FAIR
18.
I’m happy with the distance this campus is from my home. FAIR
19.
EXCELLENT
There’s enough to do in the area so that I won’t feel bored. FAIR
20.
EXCELLENT
Is this a good score? You’ll find out later (on the page that folds open) when you’ll have a chance to grade all of the schools you’ve visited.
EXCELLENT
It’ll be easy enough for my friends and family to visit me here. FAIR
EXCELLENT
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NOTES
NOTES
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NOTES
NOTES
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PART 2: LOOKING OUTWARD NOTES
College #2
College #2
DATE OF VISIT
VISITING WITH
THE WEATHER
MY MOOD
Regis University’s Outdoor Adventure Program offers year-round excursions in the Colorado Rockies and beyond.
PART 2: LOOKING OUTWARD
20 THINGS THAT MATTER While your visit is still fresh in your mind, take a few minutes to rank this school based on how you feel about each of these 20 items. Need more info about a certain topic? Ask your tour guide, a student or a faculty member… don’t be shy!
1.
I can picture myself fitting in with the students here. FAIR
2.
I’d be happy spending the next four years on this campus. FAIR
3.
EXCELLENT
I’d be comfortable living in the residence halls here. FAIR
4.
EXCELLENT
EXCELLENT
The college staff was friendly and helpful. FAIR
EXCELLENT
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5.
11.
I like the size and layout of the campus. FAIR
EXCELLENT
I’m happy with the extracurricular activities offered here. FAIR
6.
The campus feels safe enough to walk around at night. FAIR
12. EXCELLENT
This school offers the courses and majors that I’m interested in. FAIR
7.
I like the look of the classrooms, lecture halls and other facilities. FAIR
13.
EXCELLENT
I’m happy with the cultural diversity of this school. FAIR
14. EXCELLENT
This school provides enough opportunities for volunteering or service learning. FAIR
EXCELLENT
15.
EXCELLENT
I’m confident I’ll be able to find a job after I graduate from here. FAIR
10.
EXCELLENT
I believe there’s enough of a support system in place to help me succeed in my studies. FAIR
9.
EXCELLENT
I’m happy with the class sizes and faculty to student ratio. FAIR
8.
EXCELLENT
EXCELLENT
This school is a good match for my beliefs and values. FAIR
EXCELLENT
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16.
I believe attending this school is a good investment in my future. FAIR
EXCELLENT
TOTAL SCORE: 17.
I’m comfortable with the availability of scholarships and financial aid at this school. FAIR
18.
I’m happy with the distance this campus is from my home. FAIR
19.
EXCELLENT
There’s enough to do in the area so that I won’t feel bored. FAIR
20.
EXCELLENT
Is this a good score? You’ll find out later (on the page that folds open) when you’ll have a chance to grade all of the schools you’ve visited.
EXCELLENT
It’ll be easy enough for my friends and family to visit me here. FAIR
EXCELLENT
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NOTES
NOTES
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NOTES
NOTES
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PART 2: LOOKING OUTWARD NOTES
College #3
College #3
DATE OF VISIT
VISITING WITH
THE WEATHER
MY MOOD
Denver hosts an annual Bike to Work day to focus on health & wellness and sustainable living.
PART 2: LOOKING OUTWARD
20 THINGS THAT MATTER While your visit is still fresh in your mind, take a few minutes to rank this school based on how you feel about each of these 20 items. Need more info about a certain topic? Ask your tour guide, a student or a faculty member… don’t be shy!
1.
I can picture myself fitting in with the students here. FAIR
2.
I’d be happy spending the next four years on this campus. FAIR
3.
EXCELLENT
I’d be comfortable living in the residence halls here. FAIR
4.
EXCELLENT
EXCELLENT
The college staff was friendly and helpful. FAIR
EXCELLENT
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5.
11.
I like the size and layout of the campus. FAIR
EXCELLENT
I’m happy with the extracurricular activities offered here. FAIR
6.
The campus feels safe enough to walk around at night. FAIR
12. EXCELLENT
This school offers the courses and majors that I’m interested in. FAIR
7.
I like the look of the classrooms, lecture halls and other facilities. FAIR
13.
EXCELLENT
I’m happy with the cultural diversity of this school. FAIR
14. EXCELLENT
This school provides enough opportunities for volunteering or service learning. FAIR
EXCELLENT
15.
EXCELLENT
I’m confident I’ll be able to find a job after I graduate from here. FAIR
10.
EXCELLENT
I believe there’s enough of a support system in place to help me succeed in my studies. FAIR
9.
EXCELLENT
I’m happy with the class sizes and faculty to student ratio. FAIR
8.
EXCELLENT
EXCELLENT
This school is a good match for my beliefs and values. FAIR
EXCELLENT
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16.
I believe attending this school is a good investment in my future. FAIR
EXCELLENT
TOTAL SCORE: 17.
I’m comfortable with the availability of scholarships and financial aid at this school. FAIR
18.
I’m happy with the distance this campus is from my home. FAIR
19.
EXCELLENT
There’s enough to do in the area so that I won’t feel bored. FAIR
20.
EXCELLENT
Is this a good score? You’ll find out later (on the page that folds open) when you’ll have a chance to grade all of the schools you’ve visited.
EXCELLENT
It’ll be easy enough for my friends and family to visit me here. FAIR
EXCELLENT
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NOTES
NOTES
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NOTES
NOTES
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PART 2: LOOKING OUTWARD NOTES
College #4
DATE OF VISIT
THE WEATHER
MY MOOD
College #4
VISITING WITH
PART 2: LOOKING OUTWARD
Regis offers more than 60 majors, more than 35 minors and over 300 days of sunshine a year.
20 THINGS THAT MATTER While your visit is still fresh in your mind, take a few minutes to rank this school based on how you feel about each of these 20 items. Need more info about a certain topic? Ask your tour guide, a student or a faculty member… don’t be shy!
1.
I can picture myself fitting in with the students here. FAIR
2.
I’d be happy spending the next four years on this campus. FAIR
3.
EXCELLENT
I’d be comfortable living in the residence halls here. FAIR
4.
EXCELLENT
EXCELLENT
The college staff was friendly and helpful. FAIR
EXCELLENT
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5.
11.
I like the size and layout of the campus. FAIR
EXCELLENT
I’m happy with the extracurricular activities offered here. FAIR
6.
The campus feels safe enough to walk around at night. FAIR
12. EXCELLENT
This school offers the courses and majors that I’m interested in. FAIR
7.
I like the look of the classrooms, lecture halls and other facilities. FAIR
13.
EXCELLENT
I’m happy with the cultural diversity of this school. FAIR
14. EXCELLENT
This school provides enough opportunities for volunteering or service learning. FAIR
EXCELLENT
15.
EXCELLENT
I’m confident I’ll be able to find a job after I graduate from here. FAIR
10.
EXCELLENT
I believe there’s enough of a support system in place to help me succeed in my studies. FAIR
9.
EXCELLENT
I’m happy with the class sizes and faculty to student ratio. FAIR
8.
EXCELLENT
EXCELLENT
This school is a good match for my beliefs and values. FAIR
EXCELLENT
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16.
I believe attending this school is a good investment in my future. FAIR
EXCELLENT
TOTAL SCORE: 17.
I’m comfortable with the availability of scholarships and financial aid at this school. FAIR
18.
I’m happy with the distance this campus is from my home. FAIR
19.
EXCELLENT
There’s enough to do in the area so that I won’t feel bored. FAIR
20.
EXCELLENT
Is this a good score? You’ll find out later (on the page that folds open) when you’ll have a chance to grade all of the schools you’ve visited.
EXCELLENT
It’ll be easy enough for my friends and family to visit me here. FAIR
EXCELLENT
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NOTES
NOTES
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NOTES
NOTES
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PART 2: LOOKING OUTWARD NOTES
College #5
DATE OF VISIT
VISITING WITH
THE WEATHER
MY MOOD
College #5
PART 2: LOOKING OUTWARD
20 THINGS THAT MATTER While your visit is still fresh in your mind, take a few minutes to rank this school based on how you feel about each of these 20 items. Need more info about a certain topic? Ask your tour guide, a student or a faculty member… don’t be shy!
1.
I can picture myself fitting in with the students here. FAIR
2.
I’d be happy spending the next four years on this campus. FAIR
3.
EXCELLENT
The college staff was friendly and helpful. FAIR
Rolling Stone has named Red Rocks as the best U.S. amphitheatre.
EXCELLENT
I’d be comfortable living in the residence halls here. FAIR
4.
EXCELLENT
EXCELLENT
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5.
11.
I like the size and layout of the campus. FAIR
EXCELLENT
I’m happy with the extracurricular activities offered here. FAIR
6.
The campus feels safe enough to walk around at night. FAIR
12. EXCELLENT
This school offers the courses and majors that I’m interested in. FAIR
7.
I like the look of the classrooms, lecture halls and other facilities. FAIR
13.
EXCELLENT
I’m happy with the cultural diversity of this school. FAIR
14. EXCELLENT
This school provides enough opportunities for volunteering or service learning. FAIR
EXCELLENT
15.
EXCELLENT
I’m confident I’ll be able to find a job after I graduate from here. FAIR
10.
EXCELLENT
I believe there’s enough of a support system in place to help me succeed in my studies. FAIR
9.
EXCELLENT
I’m happy with the class sizes and faculty to student ratio. FAIR
8.
EXCELLENT
EXCELLENT
This school is a good match for my beliefs and values. FAIR
EXCELLENT
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16.
I believe attending this school is a good investment in my future. FAIR
EXCELLENT
TOTAL SCORE: 17.
I’m comfortable with the availability of scholarships and financial aid at this school. FAIR
18.
I’m happy with the distance this campus is from my home. FAIR
19.
EXCELLENT
There’s enough to do in the area so that I won’t feel bored. FAIR
20.
EXCELLENT
Is this a good score? You’ll find out later (on the page that folds open) when you’ll have a chance to grade all of the schools you’ve visited.
EXCELLENT
It’ll be easy enough for my friends and family to visit me here. FAIR
EXCELLENT
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NOTES
NOTES
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NOTES
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NOTES
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Fold in
Disclaimer: Obviously, a lot of factors go into choosing a college. This scoring key—and this entire
journal—are only meant as a helpful guide.
TOTAL SCORE
TOTAL SCORE
TOTAL SCORE
Looks like you and this school are a match made in heaven!
80-89 B Once you’re done with all of your visits, write down the total score you gave each school and then use this key to figure out which one is the best fit for you!
TOTAL SCORE
College #5
90 or more A
College #4
Time for a little math.
College #3
KEY College #2
PART 2: LOOKING OUTWARD
You’d probably be very happy spending four years at this school.
70-79 C A decent match, but you may want to consider other choices.
69 or less
D
It seems like there are better matches for you out there.
REGIS UNIVERSITY
College #1
TOTAL SCORE
Total Scores OPEN HERE
The Choice is Yours. Now that you’ve done your homework, you have a decision to make. It’s an important one, but don’t let that scare you. As a Jesuit Catholic University, our faith tells us that even though the best choice may not be obvious right away, in time, the right path will become clear. Read ahead for more Jesuit-inspired decision-making tips.
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The Tree of Wisdom, Regis University campus Jesuit education supports the coexistence of science and religion.
Your emotions will play an important role in making your decision but reason is a more important and more valuable tool.
Try to stay true to your own thoughts. Advice from your friends and family can be helpful, but it’s important to start your decision as impartially as you can.
When making a difficult decision, a good process is essential. It may sound obvious, but try making a list of the possible pros and cons for each choice. You might find out that the best choice is more obvious than you thought.
Pretend you’ve made the decision, even if you haven’t. Go through your normal routine for a few days as if you’ve chosen a certain college already. How does it make you feel? Are you at peace with that choice—or is something bothering you? Then, try doing the same thing for the other schools on your list and see which one feels best!
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We’re confident that you and Regis University will be a great fit—and, at the end of the day, that’s what matters most. For more information about:
Upcoming Visit Events Financial Aid Areas of Study Contacting your Admissions Counselor
Visit regis.edu/rc/perfectfit
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FPO 3333 Regis Boulevard | Denver, Colorado 80221-1099 Š Regis University, 2014. All Rights Reserved.