As the next class of college freshmen weigh their choices, I asked Lynn F. Jacobs and Jeremy S. Hyman, authors of The Secrets of College Success, to compile some tips for readers of The Choice. What follows are excerpts. – Jacques Steinberg
Focus on the academics. Since the main reason you’re going to college is to get a good education, the quality of the courses should be a critical factor in your choice-procedure. If you’re able to visit — or revisit — your top two or three choices, you’ll be able to assess how good the teaching is by attending a few first-year classes. Pay particular attention to who the instructor is (regular faculty, T.A., or adjunct professor — ask if you’re not sure), how well and interestingly the material is presented, and whether skills of analysis and interpretation are being emphasized.