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How to choose the right institution

Students are spoilt for choice when it comes to higher education, but here are six tips to help you pick the right institution

Higher education is in flux. There are mainly three factors that changed the way training is delivered: technology, migrating tendencies and emerging careers. It is now possible to earn a degree from your preferred university while sitting at the comfort of your own home.
Besides, 25 per cent of college graduates are currently working in fields that didn't exist decades ago. In such changing circumstances, it is necessary to reboot your preparation for college. Here are six tips to help you pick the right institution.
Ranking: There happens to be a trend in deciding your college based on how they are placed in the rankings table. We advise you not to get caught up in the hype.
Colleges should be a personalised experience and rankings might not bring out the kind of experience you want. While rankings are based on factors like name/recognition, faculty, graduate student employability, student satisfaction, do they include you, your needs and your expectations from college?
Academic fit: How well your academic preparation matches with the university's requirements is crucial. Will you sync in well with the cohort considering previous batches of that university?
Location: There are specific programmes that require industry interface to get maximum experience. For example, if you plan to study fashion management and you choose a university where the opportunities are limited, it will affect your overall experience. So, are you in the right place?
Graduate employability feedback: The match between what graduates need and what employers are looking for is another factor to be considered. If the employability rate is high, that means employers have the confidence that they trust the standard of education and the quality of students from that particular university. 
Duration: Beyond looking at the location and rankings, you should also be paying attention to how long it takes for a typical student to graduate. Are you prepared to make that commitment?
Financial considerations: The total costs include the raw costs (tuition + living) per annum over the full duration of the study. You could also factor opportunities for funding such as scholarships, financial aid, part-time work, etc. But you must be aware that such opportunities are linked to your academic performance at the university.
Thus, going to college is a highly personalised experience. Don't place 'yourself' out of the loop.
Shyamala Elango is Director, Educational Services at Inner Universe (elango.shyamala@inneruniverse.org).