As the end of the school year is approaching, it is time for juniors to start deciding where they’ll apply to college in the fall. This time can be overwhelming and stressful, so it is easier to take things one step at a time and to start simple.
When considering colleges, it is easy to start with certain qualities that you would like in a school. Something easy to start out with is size. There are usually a few classifications within the size category; those include: small, under 4,000, medium, 4,000-10,000, and anything over 10,000-15,000 is usually considered large. To determine this, you can think about the type of learning community you prefer, but it can also best be determined by touring a small and a large school.
Then, you can think about location. Schools can be set in a small town, big city, or somewhere in between. Some people love to be in a huge city with countless things to do such as New York, while others prefer to be in a more rural and secluded area. There are, of course, in-betweens; many
schools are situated in decently sized cities that revolve around the “college town” feel. Location tends to be an easy one to figure out, considering there are so many options.
The next main aspect to consider is what type of school it is academically. There is a great deal of variety that exists within this category, such as: research vs. liberal arts, small vs. large class size, strictly undergraduate vs. both grad and undergrad, the list goes on. It is important to first consider if they have your intended major/area of study; if they don’t have that there is not much point in continuing to look at that school. Nevertheless, it is important to make sure that there is some range in what the school offers. So many college students change their mind and major several times, so make sure you’re attending a school with options. Even if you are coming in undecided, it is vital that the school offers enough choices. While considering this, you should be thinking about if you want a liberal arts education or not. Many large research institutions provide a liberal arts undergraduate program, so no matter what the student is provided with options. It is also critical that you figure out your learning style. Many colleges, large and small alike, are currently making the push towards smaller class sizes; it is often more conducive to most learning styles. No matter what you plan on going to college for, it is important to make sure it is the right academic fit.
While the school needs to be an academic fit, it also needs to be a good social fit. There is a lot to figure out when thinking about the social aspect. Some schools are more academic or socially competitive. Some are party schools, while some do not have a large party scene at all. Students who go to schools in or by larger cities tend to venture off campus more often. Would you like to stay on campus or leave more often? Greek life is also very big when it comes to social scenes. Some people have relatives involved in the community and wish to be a part of it, while others feel it is not at all for them. When it comes down to it, the social fit is just as important as the academic fit when deciding a college.
One of the most important, talked, and stressed about things relating to college is the price. It is no secret that the cost of attendance is rising everywhere and is often more than most families can afford. The next aspect is the financial fit. Money tends to be the largest barrier when attending college. It is important to make sure the college of your choosing can adequately support your family financially.
After considering these few major aspects, other qualities such as food, extracurriculars, alumni networks, housing and more can be considered. While this process tends to be long and stressful, it is crucial that you take time and consideration in making this major life decision.