How to Decide Where to Go to College
The science of decision-making doesn’t get any tougher than when you have to choose a college. Need help? Here’s how to decide where to go to college.
So, you’re a high school student trying to decide which college is right for you.
The only problem? The amount of choices that are available to you is a bit overwhelming, to say the least.
The good news is, knowing how to decide where to go to college isn’t as complicated as you may think. There are six major questions that you need to answer, and once you’ve done that, you’ll most likely find that the decision is already made for you!
In this article, we’ll break down those 6 questions, helping you find your dream school in the process! Now then, let’s get started!
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Make a List of Schools You Can Attend
Let’s be honest, you don’t need to consider every school in America.
Whether it’s for academic or financial reasons, or simply because you don’t want to go to school in a certain city or state, most colleges are already ruled out for you.
So, before you start touring campuses, go ahead and make a list of schools that you can and possibly want to attend. That way you can limit your choices, making it a bit easier to make a decision when the time comes.
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Decide What You Want to Major in
Not all universities are going to carry the program that you want to major in.
In fact, you’ll most likely lose one or two choices because they don’t offer your major, or anything similar to it, on their curriculum.
Finding out what majors schools offer is as simple as browsing their website. You should be able to find a full list of majors after a few clicks, allowing you to confirm that a school is still an option for you.
With that being said, schools are constantly adding and dropping majors. That’s why it’s a good idea to talk to someone about the status of your program before enrolling.
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Figure out How Far Away From Home You Want to Be
For some people, going away for college is a huge part of the appeal. Having the chance to be on your own and experience a new part of the world is just as important as the scholastic journey.
For others, being close to home, and close to family, is an absolute must. That means that only a handful of colleges nearby are in the running, which makes the decision a bit easier if nothing else.
If you haven’t decided which choice is right for you yet, start thinking about it ASAP. Because knowing how far away from home you want to or are willing to go will help you narrow your list down fast.
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Analyze What Size School You Want to Attend
When it comes to making the decision on which college is right for you, the size of the school itself is something you have to think about.
Larger schools can be appealing to some, as bigger classrooms and a more diverse student body can give you new experiences.
But smaller schools offer more intimate learning environments, as well as other benefits, like the ability to walk from class to class.
This is one of those things that you’ve most likely already decided on, but if you haven’t, take a second to make a pros and cons list for each choice.
Doing so will help you decide what size school you want to attend, allowing you to only focus on schools that fit that size going forward.
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Check out the Campus Lifestyle at Each School
Once you start touring campuses, you’ll be able to get a sense of how each school fits your personality pretty fast.
From the overall vibe of the campus to the way the students interact with one another, you’ll notice that not all schools are the same and that some are more appealing to you than others.
This, of course, is totally normal and absolutely something you need to take into account. After all, you’re going to be on campus a lot over the next few years, and those students are going to be your peers the entire time.
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Don’t Forget About Food and Meal Plans
If there’s one thing you might not have considered yet, it’s what you’re going to eat when you go to college. More specifically, what meal plans each college is offering and which one you find the most attractive.
It goes without saying, but the food is extremely important to all of us. After all, you’re going to need lots of fuel for those late-night study sessions.
That’s why we recommend that you keep food as a top priority, only choosing a university that sets you up for success with your diet once you’ve enrolled.
While eating out is fun, a grocery store is going to be your best friend in college. Cooking your own meals will allow you to eat healthier, and for less money, too.
Make sure there’s a grocery store near campus, so you can get there are back fast.
A Guide on How to Decide Where to Go to College
Well, there you have it! That is a guide on how to decide where to go to college!
So, if you’re a high school student on the search for your dream school, use these tips and tricks to ensure you pick the right college for you!
Looking for more ways you can make college the best experience of your life? Check out our blog!
