How To Choose The Right College For You

Choosing the right college can be like picking out your first car. You technically have more than one shot at it but it’s something you want to get right the first time. Also, you want it to be something memorable and that speaks of your personality.

I’ve been there. When faced with college applications and a vast array of choices, a number of factors went into my final decision. I was lucky. I made the right choice the first time and so can you.

Allow me to discuss a few key factors that go into picking the right school.

1. Distance

The number one factor is distance. Are you someone who can’t be more than an hour from home? Do you want to set out and explore a different part of the country or will you miss home cooking too much?

Personally, I wasn’t afraid of exploration. In the end, I decided to stay within the boundaries of my home state, but it wasn’t because of the distance factor.

2. Size

I wanted to go to a big school. Growing up in a small town where everyone knew each other was great and all, but I wanted to experience things I never had before. The school I chose ended up having a bigger population than my home town.

The size of a school is often an important factor in deciding which college to attend. Some people feel intimidated in such a big place, and class sizes can be an issue. Are you able to learn in a room full of 300 other students or do you need to be in a room of no more than 30? Don’t underestimate the importance of one-on-one time with your professors.

3. Fun

If you’re graduating high school, fun may be the first factor in your decision. Your whole life all you’ve heard about college is that it’s a big party, but what you may not realize is that certain schools have a better reputation than others when it comes to this.

The school I attended was ranked number 1 in partying 2 out of the 4 years I attended (not that I’m bragging), but fun was only a small factor in my decision to go there. While some schools may specialize in having fun, it isn’t difficult to find it in any setting, especially if you choose a university the size of a small city.

Sports may be a part of your fun-factor as well. It was for me.

4. Education

Education! Why wouldn’t education be a factor in your decision? You are attending school, after all. Some schools may not have the major you’re looking to go into. If you aren’t sure what your calling in life is yet, it may be wise to go to a school with a lot of options.

If you’re going into a specialized or technical field, it also helps to have a degree from a reputable college in said field.

5. Cost

Money is generally the first deciding factor for your parents. In-state tuition is usually cheaper than out-of-state, but don’t let it affect you too much.

While your parents may help you; in the end, it will be your burden to pay back the cost of your college experience. Every school is expensive, so pick the right one to make it worth it.

Conclusion

What do you think of the list? How are you going about choosing the right college? Leave your thoughts, ideas, and comments below! Good luck!

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