With more than a thousand graduate institutions to choose from, you may wonder whether it matters which university you choose. Will they all offer flexibility, access to a wide range of topics, and valuable chances? It depends. But choosing the right college means you are getting the right chances.

Must you go to a top-ranking school? Not necessarily. College rankings are based on a great number of factors. Just because a university is ranked in the top ten, that doesn't mean they're the best. Top-ranked schools tend to be considerably more expensive. They give the international students small seats. Students should not be dependent on rankings alone in their college decision making process.

What should you consider when choosing a university? The most important thing to consider when choosing a university is whether its degrees, programs, atmosphere, and opportunities fit your needs. Your best-fit university is a place where you can feel comfortable and supported while you work toward the degree. It meets your needs and expectations by offering the right mix of program, support, location, and opportunities at a price that fits your budget.

Before you can decide if a university is the right fit, you first need to decide what you want to get out of your college experience. Here are some points to consider:

1. What do you want to study?

Each university offers another combination of subjects and degree programmes. Understanding what you want to learn and what kind of degree you strive for will immediately help you to narrow down your choices.

2. What is your budget?

Depending on the university, tuition, room and board and fees vary. A university may fulfil all of its other criteria, but is still beyond its budget. Fortunately, there are many schools to choose from, so you will find one that will almost meet your needs and budget.

3. Do you want a big school or a small school?

A big school means more people, a more diverse range of programs, and potentially, more activities on campus. Meanwhile, a small school usually offers smaller class sizes and the opportunity to build close relationships with classmates and teachers. Consider which size of school better meets your needs and temperament.

4. Do you want to be in the country or the city?

Urban life's hustle and bustle can cause some of you to feel energetic or overwhelmed. Moving to a diversified institution means that there is always something to do off campus and they can use public transport. It's likely the world will be better with more opportunities for outdoor activities. Decide which climate will make you as comfortable as possible, and choose the university.

5. Are there any clubs or organizations you want to be a part of?

While not the most important consideration, clubs and organizations can make a difference to student’s college experience. If you feel strongly about becoming a member of a school-based organization, make sure your college has that option.

Finally, make sure that the university you choose is international student-friendly. While many universities welcome international students, some have better support systems and international student services than others. Ask about the types of support the university will offer you from application through graduation.