Students spend most of their day at school to learn, form bonds, and gain life experiences. This is why choosing the right school is probably the most important decision to make before embarking on your academic journey—and it’s never simple! It is called a “second home” for a reason.

With the sea of options out there, it is easy to get overwhelmed, especially if you do not know where to start. So, if you’re entering high school or starting college, here are five things to help you evaluate your options and find your perfect match.

1. Explore the programs and extracurricular activities

If you haven’t decided on a program yet, search for schools that offer a variety of courses to select from. Be it the arts, sciences, business, or sports, having diverse choices provides you an education that better aligns with your goals and interests.

Aside from academics, extracurricular activities are another great way to develop your skill set. Not only do these indicate the school’s commitment to holistic growth, but they also give you a clear picture on the culture of their community (and whether you’ll fit right in).

2. Look into the quality of teaching and resources

Effective teaching equates to an effective learning experience. As such, you should be looking for institutions that invest in faculty training and have a well-constructed curriculum. This should be a priority, as the quality of teaching is what heavily influences student achievement.

When it comes to facilities, do not just make assumptions based on photographs. Take a campus tour if you can and see if they have fully equipped classrooms, libraries, laboratories, student activity centers, and others. This will tell you so much of what you need to know.

3. Check the school culture and values

A school’s impact can also be seen in their philosophy. It is embodied through their mission and vision and are not just in the handbook for you to read. This shapes your social interactions and moral foundations, so it’s always a good thing to be in a community with shared beliefs.

Get immersed in their culture, or try meeting someone who can give you a good sense of what the school is all about. Whether or not it clashes with yours is for you to decide. What are your non-negotiables? You just need to find what best serves your purpose.

4. Be aware of costs

Education is also a long-term investment. With all the tuition fees, transportation, and other potential expenses, it might cause a strain on your budget over time. Does its cost guarantee its value? If not, it might be helpful to consider what aligns within your financial capacity.

If you want a more affordable and sustainable option, there are a lot of schools that offer financial aid and scholarships based on merit, financial need, or specific criteria. This information can be found online, or you can inquire about them directly to schools, colleges, and university offices.

5. Know the career opportunities and industry demand

Schools that adapt to industry demands often have specialized tracks and electives. They also have strong connections and partnerships with industries that can be beneficial for internship opportunities where you can gain real-world experience. At the same time, a school’s alumni record is also a promising indicator of its quality, so don’t forget to check that out.

If you’re still exploring, don’t worry! Schools like STI College have programs like LearnIt, Students’ Career Opportunity and Personality Evaluator (SCOPE), and the STI Career Camp to guide students in making informed decisions regarding their education and future career path.

As one of the leading academic institutions in the country, STI is celebrating more than 40 years of excellence in providing 21st-century education, modern training facilities, and exclusive perks that mold future-ready professionals. With 63 campuses across the Philippines, access to world-class holistic education and real-life training is now made closer to you.

Visit www.sti.edu to know more.