Selecting a College

With nearly 4000 post-secondary educational institutions in the United States alone, selecting a school among myriad options can be a most daunting task for some students. Ugh! 4000!!

Where Do I Begin?
What sounds like a most daunting task is merely a process of elimination through a consideration of qualities or characteristics of a college setting that make it right for you. Therefore, an understanding of yourself is the most potent and accurate "information" necessary for determining the best fit. Before researching schools, try designing your own college; imagine a place that has those traits that will result in a happy, successful, and satisfied you! Consider the following:

How close (or far) do I want to be from home?
Consider whether you may feel the need or desire to return home more frequently than once or twice a year. If so, then driving distance from home may be your geographical limit.

Do I want to experience living in another part of the country (or the world)? Some students want to enjoy the warmth of the southern U.S. and select a school in Florida or Arizona, for example. Others consider their desire for the "great outdoors" and consider schools in such places as Colorado, Washington, or Maine. Still, others long for a "big city" school and apply to colleges in New York or Washington DC.

What about my preferred learning and personality style?
Some students find it essential to have regular and personal access to and attention from their instructors; others prefer anonymity. Consider whether you would thrive in an academic setting geared more toward lecture or discussion. Perhaps you would better enjoy the hustle-and-bustle, wide diversity, and competitive athletics of a larger state school. On the other hand, you may be the type of individual who appreciates smaller classes and a sense of community.

How much do I want to pay? How much can my parents afford?
In-state universities are the least expensive option. Private schools have the same cost whether they are located in state or not. Out-of-state public universities charge significantly higher tuition to non-residents. Financial aid and scholarships will often result in affordability for more expensive schools, and private schools may be very generous in their financial assistance. Nevertheless, while you should never exclude a school from consideration due to exorbitant costs, you should apply to a school that is affordable in the event that no financial assistance is available.

What major should I choose?
There are several ways to approach this question. You can study what you love for the sake of learning, you can select a major based on a career aspiration, or you may begin college "undecided," which is the most commonly declared major.

What extracurricular activities am I interested in?
For some young adults, this is the glue that holds everything else together. Involvement outside of the classroom creates a sense of belonging and ownership. This, in turn, invariably results in academic success.