Decision Time: What to Consider When
Choosing a College
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 hurdle — 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
It’s not recommended to choose a college you’ve never seen in person. The photos 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 the 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 health care 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 campus vibe and try to envision yourself there. Is it a place where you would be comfortable, engaged, and motivated for the next four years?
