College is one of the most exciting times in a young person’s life. If you are lucky enough to be accepted into several schools you applied for, the next phase in your college search is to actually decide which institution you will attend. It’s a huge commitment, and it can be hard to fully determine if you’re making the right choice or not. Of course, academics are a significant aspect of your criteria. But there are a lot of other factors to consider, from location, programs, to overall culture of a school. There are so many questions to ask yourself that sometimes, you could get lost in the myriad of concerns. So how do you pick a college that’s right for you? Here are important things to consider in helping you do so:
Location
This is a big one when choosing a college, because it’s a big adjustment for you and your family. Consider the distance of the school from your home to get a sense of how often you could touch base with your family.
Will you thrive studying abroad? Or do you want something close to your home? What about the weather?
And look at the setting and surrounding cities as well. Try to see what type of experiences the area could provide. After all, you won’t be studying 24/7.
Are you used to living in the quiet suburbs? An urban college might seem an adventure, but after a few weeks, you might be yearning for some peace and quiet amidst all the noise. Or if you’re an outdoor junkie, you could go rural and bask in the landscapes of a mountainside college.
Whatever type of experiences you are after, college is a time of exploration both inside the classroom halls and out there in the city. Hence, take note of the pros and cons of different locations.
Size
Aside from location and academic offerings, your checklist should also include college size. These educational institutions come in all shapes and sizes, from a college in California that enrolls less than 50 students, to a university that could accommodate thousands. Figure out if you’ll benefit from a large university or a smaller one. Large schools generally have large classrooms, diverse enrollees, and lots of activities to delve in. If you are looking for a place where you could widen your network and have endless options for things to do, then you may want a big college. But if you think that you’ll enjoy a more intimate class setting and personalized experiences, then pick a college that’s smaller than the typical university. Basically, ask yourself if you want to be a big fish in a small pond, or a small fish in a big pond?
Type and Culture
The type of college is also an important factor when you’re researching colleges or weighing your options. This means that you have to look at what specialization a certain school is known for. Whether it’s business, arts, science, and others, determine if the school’s prominent programs fit your needs. You wouldn’t want to be stuck in a technical school if you want a degree in business. Of course, there are schools that provide broad expertise across fields. Also, consider other factors, such as religious affiliation, if it is a public or private organization, if they offer flexible programs, to name a few. Greek life is also a factor because you may or may not be open to fraternities and sororities dominating the social life in school. Your choice should always fit your academic goals, personal learning style, and social preferences.
Facilities
Research the facilities available at each college you’ve applied for or been accepted in. These include housing and dining accommodations. Maybe you have special dietary needs, or have movement restrictions. And what types of housing options are available in the college? Remember that you will be spending your next few years in this environment. So consider what are your non-negotiables when it comes to amenities and creature comforts. You should always look for a school that is equipped with appropriate resources and support. Furthermore, see if the college has vibrant groups for minorities, LGBTQ students, and other communities. While this may not fall under physical facilities, having such groups make up the whole support system of the school. This illustrates the level of diversity and recognition the institution provides those who may identify with such groups. Reach out to the student services department to know more about these concerns.
Cost and Financial Aid Options
For parents, this would be the most important factor on how to select a college. After all, it’s never wise to attend a college you cannot afford!
So what can you do if a particular university has all that you need (and want) but you couldn’t afford to go there?
Well, there are potential ways to cut your costs. Aside from student loans, a lot of education institutions offer support mechanisms like financial aid, scholarships, and work-study programs.
Analyze which avenue would work best for you. For instance, if you have special skills beyond academics, you could qualify for either a full or partial ride if you are able to meet the grades and join sports or music programs. Check also if there are privately funded scholarships. It will certainly be hard to qualify, but it will be worth trying.
And don’t think you’re missing out if you’re not able to attend a prestigious school. A lot of public universities offer much lower tuition rates especially to in-state students.
Aside from tuition, consider also other related expenses, like books, housing, and living expenses. Crunch the numbers to see if the amount seems realistic for your financial situation.
You’re lucky if you don’t have to factor in finances when choosing a college, but it always helps to evaluate your options.
Do’s and Don’ts on How to Choose a College
Now that you know which factors to consider when narrowing your choices, here are some tips to make your choice easier and stress-free:
Do examine your short list
Accepted to more than one school? That’s an achievement, although you may feel confused because of it. What you could do then is weigh again your options. Think about your reasons why you applied to each, and compare those reasons against each other. That would help you further see which college has the qualities most essential for you.
Don’t let prestige lead your choice
Notice how we didn’t include prestige in the factors mentioned above? That’s because there are a lot of other important factors than a school’s reputation. Harvard may be extremely prestigious, but will the competitive nature be actually beneficial for you? Maybe you will thrive more in a more individualized setup? Don’t feel pressured to choose a college based on prestige. It’s fine to count it among your considerations, but don’t let it hinder you from seeing the advantages of other lesser-known schools.
Do go back to school
Once you’ve narrowed down your list, visit these schools again. Get a feel for the campus life. Talk to students. Visit the dorms, sample the food, and check out everything you can that would help your decision. Be sure to ready your more in-depth questions for your second trip. It helps to clarify major details about a given institution.
Don’t rely too much on published rankings
Rankings provide you some level of information regarding the caliber of a school, but you should consider that different ranking agencies likely use their own combination of factors in ranking colleges. That means ranking metrics may not seem as straightforward as they seem. Again, take a look at what kind of academic specialty, facilities, and culture the school has. These are more telling than any ranking system.
Do investigate job opportunities
Transitioning from academic life to a professional one is easier with a college that has a robust career service center. Aside from proximity of work opportunities, try to find out if the college has job fairs, on-campus interviews, and career counseling. This helps you determine if a college is actually supporting students’ career paths.
Don’t procrastinate
Once your college essay is done, don’t stop working. Start researching. Schedule meetings and visits. Time flies so fast, and being well prepared eases your feelings of anxiety about entering college. To find the right college, you need enough time to weigh your options and visit your prospective schools. Spend your weeks wisely and you’ll ultimately make the right decision.