 Internships and research opportunities As you choose the colleges to which you’ll apply, look for schools that have robust programs for experiential learning. Does the college support students to assist professors with their research? Does the college have funds to support independent undergraduate research? Has the college fostered relationships with companies and organizations to help students get meaningful summer internships? Does the college have a strong alumni network to help students get summer work in their fields of study? Engaging curriculum As you look at colleges, be sure to spend time exploring the course catalog. Are there courses offered that get you excited? Do the core courses make sense — that is, does the college present a clear rationale for its general education program? Does the college have a strong first-year curriculum to help you make the transition to college-level coursework? Does the curriculum leave room for taking elective courses? Clubs and activities to match your interests Nearly all four-year residential colleges have wide-ranging options for clubs and activities, but different campuses do have very different personalities. You’ll find schools that place a lot of emphasis on the performing arts, outdoor activities, intramural sports or volunteerism. Find schools that complement your interests. While the curriculum may be the most important feature of a college, you’ll be miserable if you don’t have a stimulating life outside of academics. Good health and wellness facilities While you’ll find germs and fattening foods on nearly every campus, you should ask some questions about the college’s health and wellness facilities and programs: Do the dining halls always have healthy options? Are baked foods (rather than fried) and a salad bar always available? Are fresh fruits and vegetables standard offerings? What kinds of exercise facilities are there? Do non-athletes have easy access to exercise equipment, a track and a swimming pool? Does the campus have hiking trails? Is there a health center on campus where you can go for basic services such as immunizations and the treatment of common ailments? Does the college have a counseling center to support students struggling with anxiety, depression, or other psychological issues? Does the college have programs in place to teach students about responsible drinking and the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases? Campus safety Most colleges are extremely safe, and even urban campuses tend to be safer than the surrounding neighborhoods. At the same time, some colleges have lower crime rates than others. Students can be tempting targets for petty thieves, and bicycle and car theft are not unusual on many campuses, especially in cities. Source: Interface Education focuses on providing professional college consulting services to Chinese American students and Chinese students from China seeking admission to prestigious U.S. colleges and universities. It is the only organization of its kind in the United States. www.interfaceedu.org | 