After school, when you venture on to higher education, there are a few requisites that should be borne in mind in choosing an educational institution that will give the best to you. This is a crucial decision that shapes your future in a decisive way. Here are a few things that you should take care of while choosing a college. 

1. Recognized Institute:

The college that you choose should be recognized. It should be affiliated to a university or be accredited to one. A degree offering institute is always better that a diploma giving one. Also, it will help in future in getting admission to a good university for further education, and also when you apply for a job. Especially if you plan to go abroad, make sure you pursue graduation form a recognized college.

2. Skill Development:

The college should concentrate not only in imparting knowledge but also in the development of skills. These skills are the ones that will be of use in future and all life through. Some basic skills are communication skills, writing skills, presentation skills, research skills. Also the development of the right attitude and aptitude, and human skills. 

3. Practical vs Theory:

Practicals should be given equal importance as the theory classes. The course structure should be designed in a way so as to have practicals as an integral and compulsory part of the curriculum. They should take place regularly, on routine basis, and be given the significant weight-age.

4. Up to Date Syllabus:

It is extremely essential that the course and syllabus should be up to date with the changing times. And it should also be updated on a regular basis. The latest additions and subtractions from any subject should be taken care of. An outdated syllabus is of little significance to students. 

5. Faculty:

The faculty of the college should be educated as well as experienced. Some colleges employ ex-students without discretion. This should not be the case with your preferred college. Professors should be experienced and also knowledgeable. The faculty should be driven to education and not be followers of the system. The teaching methodology adopted by them should be to benefit students substantially. Only such members of the faculty are able to develop an interest and understanding among students on the course. 

6. Classroom Teaching along with Out of Class Activities:

Out of class activities like excursions, tours, field trips should also be a part of the curriculum. This promotes interest and better understanding.

7. Examinations:

The examination process should also be a determining factor. There should be internal assessments along with the final exams. And term exams, regular assessments of progress, projects etc, should be considered by the college while marking a student.

8. Importance of Attendance:

Colleges where students can only show up on the day of exams, and there is no percentage of attendance required, are colleges that should be avoided at all costs. Such colleges only give you a degree and are not the least concerned about the education of the students. Students do not recognize teachers and vise versa. Being part of such a system is a waste. 

9. Class Strength:

Not more than twenty five students should comprise a class in a college. If the particular institute does not offer this, then there is no use studying in a herd where teachers do not recognize half the students, and the backbenchers can sleep through the lectures and tutorials. 

10. Library, Reference Material, Reading Section:

A good college will have a library stocked with books on all subjects and reference material. The library and reading room, with books, magazines, and journals is a sign of how much importance is given to knowledge. Choose a college that is known for its collection of books. 

11. Extra Curricular Activities:

All round development of students is essential. A college that gives ample importance and has specific ECA departments like dramatics, dance, music, social service, sports etc, should be among your top choices. This is the time of life when you will get the opportunity to develop talent. So ECA is extremely important while enrolling in a college.

12. Placement Department:

An active placement department that attracts good companies and provides a chance to all students to get a job, falls under the category of good colleges. And this department should be accountable and active, and work towards the benefit of all students. Apart from drawing companies, it should also hold placement based seminars, talks, fairs, training programs and workshops to enhance skills. 

13. Records, History, Ranking, Alumna:

A scan through theses will tell you how renowned, credible, and sorted after any college is. Though not the top priority, but you should try finding this out about a college before applying. 

14. Fee Structure:

Colleges where the fees is exorbitant and unreasonable, should be unmarked from your list of colleges. Be sure that the fees in such colleges, where it seems to be more than what is reasonable, is for the welfare of the authorities and not students. 

15. Creation of Better Human Beings:

Any educational institution should concentrate on the development of the personality of the students. It should make them confident and fearless, to be able to meet the challenges of the world. Also it should grant them a clear perspective and understanding so that students know for sure what is it that they want to do in future. A college that provides this insight and personality to its students, is the definite choice of students.