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Dean Einstein answered questions about making the final college decision in a live chat. Watch the entire video and check out tips about how to make the important decision of choosing where to attend college, whether that's at TCU or elsewhere.

Consider academics.
What matters to you in terms of academics? That's why you're going to college after all! Do you want close relationships with professors? Do you prefer smaller or larger class sizes? Does a college offer the majors you're interested in or research opportunities you'd like to see? These are all aspects to think about when choosing a university. At TCU, 98 percent of faculty teach undergraduates and if you're interested in research opportunities, you'll get those well before grad school. We're a Top 100 Best National University as ranked by U.S. News & World Report, and #16 for best student engagement by the Wall Street Journal. Professors won't just know your name, they'll be on call and will invest in your academic journey.

Consider location.
Do you want to go to college close to home, around the world or go somewhere in between? Think about how easily you can access the college campus that will become your home away from home. Will you attend a school that is a 10-hour drive or a short plane trip away? Do you want to go to school in an urban, suburban or rural environment? We may be biased, but we think Fort Worth offers it all - incredible internship and career opportunities in the No. 1 metro for job opportunities, 229 days of sunshine and plenty to do! In fact, the Fort Worth Zoo houses real life Horned Frogs and has been ranked No. 1 in the nation by USA Today.

Consider pre-professional opportunities.
While you're earning your degree, you'll want to make sure your college will prepare you for success beyond graduation. From work opportunities during college, such as work study and internships to career options, how will a university prepare you for the future? At TCU, we place a high value on supporting Horned Frogs while they're on campus and out in the world. Nearly 98% of students are employed within six months of graduation, and four-out-of-five students complete at least one internship while at TCU. Our amazing Center for Career & Professional Development provides free resources to students for life.

Consider campus life.
How do you see yourself getting involved on campus? What kind of residence halls, events, clubs and activities do you want to participate in? We're proud to have the No. 1 Happiest Students in the country, ranked by The Princeton Review and resume.io. We love our mix of school spirit, service opportunities, Top 10 best residence halls, ranked by The Princeton Review, fresh, healthy food at 13 on-campus eateries and 300+ student organizations. TCU students love game days and get involved on campus and in the community. Nearly half of all students participate in Greek Life and we have an exceptional 94% first-year-to-sophomore retention rate (the national average is 77%).  Find a school that aligns with your values and interests. 

Consider your family's investment.
Make sure that when you're thinking about cost and aid, your family makes smart choices about investing in your future. Talk about your investment in the university as much as the university's investment in you. Review financial aid and scholarships and have open and honest conversations about how much your family is willing to pay and can afford to pay. Nearly 80 percent of TCU students receive financial aid through loans, grants and work-study opportunities. Students can apply to receive support for unpaid internships and search for scholarships through Horned Frog Scholar Search.

VISIT!
Most colleges offer events specifically for admitted students. Check your student portal to register for a campus tour, watch a virtual tour or attend an admitted student event at TCU. No matter which campuses you visit, spend time talking to current students and parents about their experience at the university to get a real sense for campus life. And try to spend some time apart so parents and students can compare and contrast their different experiences after the visit.

 

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