If you’re going away to school you will be living in new surroundings for as many years as it takes to get your education. Depending on the kind of degree or certificate you seek, that may be 1 year, 2 years, 4-5 years or more. If you attend graduate or professional school…more time yet. So it isn’t just a decision of “where do you want to go to school,” but also, “Where would you like to live?” Consider these and some other points when choosing a college.
Location: How far from home would you like to be? Do you want to live in a large city, a small town, or the country, in-state or out-of-state? Do you like to be surrounded by people (large college or university) or have more privacy (smaller private college or vocational school)? In what kind of setting would you feel comfortable? Does the school have its own on or off-campus housing, or are apartments available close by? What about living at home and commuting? It saves money, but for some the “college experience” becomes less exciting.
Affordability: Have you received the schools’ financial aid award letters yet? Hopefully you will receive them shortly after your letter of acceptance. We will discuss comparing them in another section, but an honest comparison will help determine the most affordable school. Have you been accepted at only one school? If so, is that school affordable? Please don’t be misled. “Affordable” doesn’t always mean least expensive. It means getting the most for your dollars invested at a cost that is within your means. Strive to spend no more than is necessary to reach your goal by choosing wisely. And consider ways to lower your costs, like buying used books, living at home and commuting, attending an in-state school, taking more than the minimum number of required credits, and earning money through work-study.
Academics: Does the school have the academic programs that interest you? Certainly it has the major you want or you wouldn’t have applied there unless you’re going “undeclared,” but that’s another story (see “Selecting”) and often a bad idea. College is too expensive a setting to take general courses for the purpose of “finding” yourself. Have a major in mind before enrolling, and remember that the courses in your major are not the only courses you will take. You will take some basic courses and some elective courses. Is there a variety of courses outside your major that interest you?
Activities: Do you play sports? Are you going to school on an athletic scholarship? If so, your decision has probably been made. However, do you like to play intramural sports, or participate in sports that don’t offer scholarships? Are you a fan who just loves to watch? What about extracurricular activities outside of sports, like clubs, organizations, fraternities and sororities, or social life in general? These are things that can make your college experience more fun.
Size: Usually, the larger the school, the more courses, activities, and sporting events they have to offer. In addition, the larger schools are often state universities. Is the school so large you will feel lost? Actually, this is quite common at first on any campus. Will you have trouble navigating a large campus? Does this also mean large classes, especially for freshmen? Will you be able to get individualized attention if you need it? Will you be able to speak with your professors if necessary? Does the school have the facilities you desire, like labs, fitness equipment, personal trainers, access to computers, etc.?
Time: How long will it take to complete your program? Be aware that most students take more than 4 years to complete a 4-year program. What about alternatives? Are the shorter vocational programs or community college programs right for you? You should know that the shorter programs usually focus on intensive training which gives you the skills you need to compete in today’s technological information-based society. You will be wise to consider all the options and not rule out any because they are “shorter” than others. Longer doesn’t necessarily mean better in educational programs.
There are many important factors which must be considered when choosing a college. Many of which you probably looked at when you submitted your application for admission. When you think about the “big picture” by considering all these and any other factors that contribute to the personality of a school, you have to decide if your personality and the school’s will “fit.” If you have boiled it down to a couple of schools but your decision is still up in the air, a second visit may be what’s needed to make that final decision. What you’re looking for is a learning environment where you will be comfortable, secure, and productive while you complete your program and gain the necessary tools for a successful and fulfilling career. Good luck!