“Students’ satisfaction with the institution of their choice has a greater impact on academic performance than academic performance has on student satisfaction.”
Bean & Bradley

Researchers have found that uninformed or inaccurate college planning leads to an "increased risk of choosing the wrong institution to attend, becoming dissatisfied with the institution, and withdrawing before graduation. Such findings show the importance of the initial phases of college preparation. Successfully researching schools and deciding upon the right match can actually help ensure the timely completion of a degree". (Report of the National Postsecondary Education Cooperative, December, 2007)

NOTE: According to Education at a Glance (2007) "only fifty-four percent of college entrants obtain a degree” and take approximately six years to do so. 

According to the National Association of College Admissions Counseling, the national average case load of public high school students to their in-school counselors is approximately 490:1.

Concerning your high school college counseling experience, ask yourself the following questions:

• How often is one-on-one college planning guidance provided?
• How well does your high school counselor know you?
• How much staff time, training and travel is spent on college counseling?

On average, college graduates earn seventy-five percent more than those without bachelor degrees; they have a record of being more prepared for life challenges and transitions; and they tend to be more physically fit. In short, college degree accomplishment greatly impacts one's quality of life.