Congratulations! You survived the college application process and admission decisions are coming in. While the standardized tests, personal statements, supplemental essays, and requests for recommendations presented you with a lot to manage, there’s still one more stage to get through — choosing the college you will attend next fall. Whittling down a list of a dozen schools to one can be daunting. Here are a few tips to help.
Figure Out What Really Matters to You
Choosing a school based on a major can be short-sighted. You’re young and your career aspirations might change over the next few years. In fact, according to BestColleges.com, about one-third of undergraduate students change their major, and 10 percent of college students change majors more than once. Focus on the bigger picture. How far do you want to be from home? Do you prefer an urban, suburban, or rural setting? What athletic or extracurricular activities are available? Do the housing options meet your needs? Are undergraduates allowed to have cars on campus? Are class sizes appropriate for your learning style? How many friends or acquaintances are also attending — and is that a good thing? Once you have an idea of what’s important to you, look more closely at your choices and narrow the list.
Visit Campus … Again
t’s not recommended to choose a college you’ve never seen in person. The photos you see in brochures and online highlight the most picturesque parts of campus (in the best light and at the best angle). They do not paint a true picture. Once you narrow down your choices, take the time to visit. If you toured earlier in the process, it’s still a good idea to return for a second look, if possible. During this visit, view campus through a more discerning lens. Call ahead and try to meet with students and professors in your intended program. If you have specific questions for the bursar, the healthcare team, or student services, schedule a time to meet with them. When visiting a sprawling campus, test out the bus system. Most important, take note of the college’s vibe and try to envision yourself there. Is it a place where you would be comfortable, engaged, and motivated for the next four years?
Determine Financial Aid
For most students, the educational price tag is a major factor when finalizing their college choice. Understanding the total cost of attending each school — tuition, room and board, transportation, books, and incidentals — is very important. Note which schools offered generous financial aid packages and determine how much money in loans you’ll need to finance your education. If a particular school will leave you thousands of dollars in debt, think carefully about whether you want that financial burden. Will you get a similar education and experience at a less-expensive institution? Are the opportunities just too amazing to pass up? These are tough decisions, but it’s important to take the time now and consider the long-term costs and impacts of your ultimate choice.
Go Old School
The tried-and-true practice of listing pros and cons can help you clearly see what you like — and dislike — about each college on your list. Having a thoughtful list of pros and cons will be particularly helpful when comparing the final two contenders. For example, an aspiring physicist who is attracted to Duke because of its reputation and warmer weather may also have an opportunity to conduct research with an esteemed professor at Columbia, where she’ll have to contend with snow. Both are great options, but a list of pros and cons may help determine a more desirable direction.
Share the News Sparingly
Once you’ve made your final decision, tell only a few people at first, then sleep on it. Were you excited when you shared the news? Do you have a gut feeling that’s causing you to second-guess? If you’re feeling good, go for it. If not, rethink before sending in your deposit.
Choosing a college can be scary. Like most major decisions, it requires personal reflection, practical consideration, and trust in yourself. Take your time, visit and even re-visit campuses, crunch the numbers, and be honest about what you like and don’t like. After some thoughtful examination, you’ll know which school is right for you.
ON TOPIC
Life after high school is most students’ first taste of the real world. You’ll have more independence, which comes with more responsibility. The sooner you start managing aspects of your life, the more prepared you’ll be when you’re on your own. Enjoy the excitement of this transitional phase from high school to college, but also take steps to prepare yourself for the fun-filled world of adulting. Here are some things to do before entering the next stage of your life.
Get a planner.
For the first time in your life, you are going to control your own schedule. If you can master the skill of time management now, you’ll be in great shape when things get hectic. The first step is to learn what works best for you. Some people need to write things down, while others work better with an app. You decide what’s most effective for you — the key is to find a process you will stick with to set yourself up for success.
This is also a great time to start keeping a journal. With so many senior-year milestones to record, you’ll have plenty to write about as you get started. Once the habit sets in, you’ll continue journaling about your shift to college life. Journaling is a wonderful way to learn about yourself and how you feel about what’s happening in your life.
Open a bank account. If you don’t already have one, opening your first bank account should be a priority. You’ll be dealing with finances throughout your life, and the sooner you get a grasp on banking, the better off you’ll be. Start with checking and savings accounts — look for banks that offer accounts without minimum balance requirements and no or low fees.
Take control. Do your parents currently manage all of your appointments? Now is a great time to learn how to schedule time with your doctors, hair stylists, and dentists and then take charge of the actual appointments. It’s important to feel comfortable asking questions and expressing concerns. Likewise, you must process information and follow up as needed. Learn the name and dosage of any medication you take, and be sure you understand to how order refills if you’re moving away from home. Lastly, make sure you have the proper health insurance cards and carry them with you.
Learn some cooking basics. Eating cereal and ramen every day may seem like a good idea at first, but your body needs more nutrients. Familiarize yourself with a few recipes before leaving for college. Find the kitchen intimidating? Start with something simple, like pasta. Practice by making simple dinners for your family once a week over the next several months. Before you know it, you’ll have some delicious go-to meals to cook when you want a break from the dining hall.
