Finding the Right College for You!
written by Rachel W.
College can be a time to find yourself as you explore your passions and prepare to go out into the real world. But how do you choose a place that meets your wants and needs? Here are some tips to help you through the college search, whether you’re going through the application process now or are planning ahead!
The most important part of finding a good fit is knowing what your own personal requirements are.
How big of a school do you want to attend? Do you want to stay close to home or go farther away? What majors are you interested in? Knowing what you want ahead of time will save you a lot of time later on.
The next tip is to start searching!
Whether you look on the Internet, ask parents or friends, or talk to a guidance counselor, keep your options open before you need to narrow them down. Start making a list of places that stand out to you and why they’re interesting – do they have a beautiful campus? Are there certain clubs or activities that you would be interested in? These qualities will be super important as you begin to pick and choose where you want to apply.
As you find schools that you like, set up guided campus tours to get a good feel for the atmospheres at particular schools.
You may find that a school looks great on paper, but the vibe is off as you walk around. Or, you may tour a school you weren’t as interested in and end up loving it! Tours are the best way to put yourself in the shoes of a college student and see what your life would be like if you went to a certain college. They also provide many great resources, such as pamphlets and contact information for admissions counselors or heads of departments. Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask questions!
Now what? You’ve gotten a good feel for what you’re interested in and what schools offer it, so now it’s time to apply!
Everyone applies to a different number of schools, but don’t try to overextend yourself by applying to a super large amount. Select the schools that are most attractive to you and work super hard on those applications. This is probably the hardest part of the college search because you might have to choose pros of one school over those of another.
Once you receive decisions from everywhere that you applied, you can make your decision!
You don’t want to rush into picking a school, but the quicker you decide, the earlier you can begin housing applications and other important paperwork for the school you will be attending.
If this process seems incredibly scary, have faith that everything will work out in the end! Having your mind set on a certain school from the beginning might limit your opportunities with other schools, so remember to keep an open mind. Write down important deadlines, keep in touch with a school counselor, and most important of all, stay positive!