As the decision letters roll in, many students stare at their finalized list of college options and wonder, “Which one is the right choice?” This overwhelming decision can feel massive – because it is! The next four years of your life are now up for you to decide. However, with the right approach, it is easier to find the college that suits you best and be confident in your selection.
Financial Aid & Cost of Attendance
One of the most important factors during this process is the cost of the school. When examining your list of choices, it is vital to consider how much money – in the form of financial aid and scholarships – you have been awarded and how much this will help you pay the overall cost of your education. Many colleges will offer prospective students scholarships to try and get them to attend. Though a college might not be your first choice, if it offers you significant scholarships, summer funding for research, priority registration or admission to their honors college, this is important to fully consider. All colleges offer a similar four-year experience, and it is nice to know that the school you are attending really wants you and is set on helping you to succeed.
It is also important to think about long-term affordability and how much debt you are comfortable taking on. If you know that you want to pursue higher education, it is crucial to consider how much money this will cost on top of achieving your four-year degree. All in all, make sure to compare scholarships, grants and loan options for each college on your list. Remember that there is still lots of time to apply for academic scholarships and negotiate for more financial aid if needed.
Academics & Programs
Although you might be dead-set on a school that is considered the most prestigious on your list, it is important to attend somewhere that is strong in the field you want to pursue. Though you may already have conducted this research, ensuring that the college offers strong programs in your areas of interest is a vital step. A factor that becomes especially important for aspiring engineers, who should look for an ABET-accredited program to ensure their education is recognized by the industry they wish to pursue.
If you’re stuck between a few options, be sure to tour the campuses again if possible. When doing so, try to visit the buildings that pertain to your intended major as it is important to see the locations you could actually be spending many semesters in. Ask around and take note of the strength of your intended major, internship opportunities, research programs and academic resources to see if these look like a good fit for you. If you’re undecided, choose a school with a variety of strong programs and flexibility to explore different fields. Also, consider other factors that play into your education, such as class size, faculty reputation and the availability of hands-on learning opportunities.
It is also important to note how successful the alumni of the colleges you’re considering are. Be sure to look at internship connections, alumni networks and job placement rates so that you can maximize your success after graduation.
Campus Culture & Location
There are many factors beyond academics that will also have a significant impact on your college experience. Consider the social scene and culture of your schools, such how much of the school participates in Greek life. Again, visiting the school via admitted students’ weekends or other opportunities is a great way to assess the atmosphere of these campuses. When visiting campus, be sure to talk with current students for honest insights about their experiences. You can also contact current students online or talk to enrolled family and friends. Those who are currently attending the school will be likely to share their unfiltered view on the many aspects of campus life.
Just like the preliminary research applicants conducted before applying, it is important to re-evaluate many factors such as the size and location of your options. How far away the school is will affect lots of things, such as the cost of attendance (in-state versus out-of-state) and the effort of traveling back home to visit family. If you are struggling to narrow down your list, conduct more research on factors you may not have considered yet, such as campus safety, housing and dining hall quality, public transportation and available counseling services. Additionally, some schools are located in areas that are known to have harsh winters and rainy seasons or high heat and humidity. Consider how much the weather can affect you academically and mentally when transitioning to life in a different area.
The Decision
When it comes down to it, there is a lot of pressure to make a final decision. However, only you are going to know what the right choice is for you. Handling pressure from family and friends or the stress of rankings is a lot to handle. However, the best college is the place where you can see yourself thriving socially and academically. Take time to reflect on where you felt the most comfortable, as the best choice isn’t always about rankings or prestige but rather where you felt the happiest and most excited about the future. It may also come as a comfort that these decisions aren’t set in stone; while transferring can be a huge process, it is always an option.
Next Steps
Once you’ve made your decision, formally accept your offer and submit any required deposits by the deadline. Remember to decline offers from other schools to open up spaces for waitlisted applicants. As this last semester comes to a close, it will soon be time to start the transition to college life. Be prepared to apply for housing and parking (if applicable), register for orientation and look into class registration. Take advantage of time over the summer to start saving up, spend time with family and make some memories. Lastly, be sure to congratulate yourself and recognize all the hard work you’ve put in to get here!
