Gen Z is considered the most tech savvy generation yet. Growing up, they were constantly exposed to changing technologies and gadget advancements so it’s no surprise that technology is a central part of who they are. Gen Z’s technical fluency makes them adept at online communication and social media use, which is evident in the way they search for college and study programs. The article details some ways Gen Z’s search for colleges and select study programs.
Through social media
Social Media plays a major role in the search for colleges and study programs. As active users of social platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, Gen Z’s will check out college accounts on these platforms to get more information on programs and student life in these campuses. They should follow official college accounts, watch student – created videos, and read reviews of their colleges and programs of interest on social media before making any decisions.
Using search engines
Through the use of search engines, Gen Z’s should create lists of potential colleges and study programs that suit their goals and location preferences. By using search engines like Bing and Google, Gen Z’s can narrow down their lists based on information like student life, costs, location, reviews, and accreditation. These lists can be narrowed down further by exploring web resources with information on admission processes and scholarships found on college websites and blogs.
Mobile Apps
Still in the digital space, Gen Z’s should use mobile apps and online quizzes to help them in their search for study programs and colleges. Some of the most popular quizzes used by this generation to decide on study programs are CareerOnestop interest profiler by the U.S Department of Labor, the Career Aptitude Test , and the Holland Cord Career Quiz. Gen Z’s also use apps like Niche to search for colleges based on different criteria, UniGO to find scholarships, and Peterson’s to get personalized college and study recommendations.
Traditional methods used by Gen z’s in their search for colleges
Despite their heavy reliance on technology, Gen Z’s also use a number of traditional methods to search for colleges and study programs. Word of mouth is one of those methods. Recommendations from parents, friends, siblings, mentors, and student counselors still hold significant influence on the choices made by Gen Z’s. Feedback from people who have had personal experiences with certain colleges and study programs are very important for this generation.
College fairs
College fairs were a popular source of information for previous generations and they are still considered relevant by Gen Z’s. Virtual and in – person fairs are a great opportunity for Gen Z’s to interact with officials and professors from various colleges and study programs. These fairs will allow them to get a feel of what each option has to offer and how well they align with their goals and aspirations. In addition to these methods, Generation Z has a unique set of values that they use to make important decisions like what colleges and study programs to attend. Gen Z’s are dedicated to inclusivity, environmental consciousness, authenticity, and creative pursuits. Therefore, they will choose colleges and programs that best align these values with their lifelong goals. Gen Z’s are a truly unique generation with innovative approaches to college selection. Their balanced approach ensures they enter into colleges and study programs that best suit their current lifestyle and future goals.