Picking the Right College for You: Advice from Someone Who Messed Up
Remember how my first blog post said we're here to learn together? Well, I'm going to tell you about a time I learned something the hard way so (maybe) you won't have to. The thing is…
When it came to my bachelor's degree, I didn't put any effort into finding the right college for me. And, oh boy, I regret it.
(Don't come for me, Wildcats! I transferred to you!)
Luckily, I learned from my mistakes and put a lot of thought into my grad school.
Finding a school that fits you is essential to your academic success and well-being. I should know! Read on to get a basic idea of how to find the right college for you.
1. Determine if the school meets your learning needs.
If you've chosen a major, make sure the school offers that program AND that the program meets all your requirements. I went to school for theatre, planning to become a director. It turned out that my original program didn't let undergraduate students direct!
Even if you're undecided, look into general education classes and academic support programs.
Dig deeper than the school's website—Google the professors and programs, visit RateMyProfessors.com and talk to current and former students about their experiences.
Tip from me to you: You have lots of other options after high school. Be sure you want to attend college right now (if ever!).
2. See if the campus and community vibes are right.
You will be at this college for a while, so getting a feel for the campus and social scene is essential.
First, consider the size of the school. For instance:
Small colleges offer individualized attention but may not have as many resources as big schools.
Big colleges could have lots to do, but classes may be taught by assistants instead of professors.
Next, explore extracurriculars, clubs, and sports. What would the right college for you offer?
Then, get an idea of how laid back or intense this place is. What vibes would your ideal school have?
Finally, look at the social scene. Any type of college can be a party school, super chill, or somewhere in between. What's your speed?
Tip from me to you: Don't rule out community college, even if you need a four-year degree. You can knock out those gen eds for a lot less money!
3. Figure out if you like the location.
Choosing a school's location is more complicated than you may think! For instance, you must consider distance, climate, and surrounding area.
Distance from home is an important consideration. Do you have local obligations? Do you want to save money by living at home? Or do you want to spread your wings in a new place?
And there's the weather. If you melt in hot, humid areas (like I do!), Florida schools may not be right for you. If you thrive in winter weather (unlike me!), a Minnesota college may be perfect.
And there's the most straightforward question: Do you want to live in a rural, suburban, or urban area?
Tip from me to you: I've got nothing. You know what kind of location is for you.
4. Do the math.
If you can't afford it, it's not the right college for you—no matter how perfect it seems.
Calculate your total cost = Tuition + fees + cost of living + many other expenses
Talk to your parents/guardians. Find out how much, if anything, they're contributing. Learn about their income because their salaries almost universally affect your aid even if they aren't helping financially. (I wish I was kidding.)
Fill out your FAFSA. The FAFSA determines your federal aid (grants, loans) and may also be required by scholarship grantors.
Apply for scholarships. You might find them through your school, a financial institution, or someplace unexpected. (I may or may not have entered a duct tape prom dress scholarship competition…)
Knowing what you can afford helps you make a smarter decision.
Tip from me to you: Look for scholarships EARLY and apply for a TON of them!
5. Get some face time (even if it's via FaceTime).
Visit the school. In-person is ideal, but many schools offer virtual tours.
Talk to current students or recent alumni. Better yet, shadow a student if you can! Nothing helps you determine the right school for you more than actually being there and talking to people in the know.
Tip from me to you: Yes, yes, yes, do this. I didn't. It would have made a difference.
Conclusion: Definitely take the time to find the right college for you!
Thanks to these steps, you now know exactly what the best college for you is! Right? If only things were that simple.
Maybe the secret sixth step will help:
Listen to your gut.
You know what's right for you, even if you don't know that you know. You know?
Now for a quick rundown of the steps:
Academics
Campus feel
Location
Finances
Visit
Gut check
It's never too early to start finding the right college for you!
