By Dr. Tamika Riley
Figuring out which college or university you want to attend after high school can be an overwhelming experience for a high school student. But it does not have to be. There are many factors and steps that should be considered in the process of choosing a college or university that suits you best. This article will give you factors to consider and steps to follow to guide you in choosing a college that is the right fit for you.
When considering what college you want to pursue, one of the most important factors to consider is whether that college aligns with your values, interests, and goals. You may be wondering, How do I know if a college aligns with my values, interests, and goals? Here are some factors you can focus on to help you answer this question.
Type and Size of School
The size of the school may be of importance to you as you begin thinking about the college you want to attend. According to the College Board, schools with under 5000 students would be considered a small school, and those over 15000 would be considered large.
When thinking about whether the size of the school is an important factor for you, consider the following: think about whether class sizes, more social events, bigger sports teams, more variety in degree programs, and more personalized connections mean something to you. Thinking about how big a deal these things are to you will determine if you have a size preference when choosing a college.
The type of college you want to go to may be a strong preference and should be considered. Colleges can vary in classifications, and knowing the type of college you want to attend can sway your decision. Colleges can range in type from a 2-year community college to a 4-year university. If you are torn in determining which one is best for you, consider your financial means, as 2-year community colleges are lower in tuition rates, and by researching what career you want to pursue. The career you pursue may only require you to earn a technical certificate or an associate’s degree, which will take you on the community college route. Or the career may require you to have a bachelor’s degree or above, which will take you on the 4-year college or university route. Other types of schools to consider when deciding what college you want to go to are whether you have a preference for whether the college is public or private, if the college is an HBCU, PWI, all women, or all men, etc.
Financial Costs
The cost of the school may be a central factor in determining what college to attend. Researching the cost of tuition will be an important part of the college research process, as the cost varies for each college and is dependent on several considerations. If you want to go to a school out of the state you live in, the tuition will be higher compared to going to a college that is in the state you live. When thinking about the financial costs, you should consider whether you will be paying for tuition out of pocket, gaining scholarship money, receiving grants, or taking out loans. Any of these options is doable; you just have to make a plan.
Desired Major and the Student Profile
Not every college may have the program that you intend to major in. Therefore, it is important for you to consider your desired major when choosing a college. Knowing what you want to pursue as a career is a plus because it will allow you to consider a school with a major that aligns with your career goals.
To get a sneak peek into the type of students who apply to the college you are interested in, it is advisable that you take a look at the college’s student or class profile. The profile includes information from their current school year, such as how many women and men applied and enrolled, a breakdown of the enrollment race/ ethnicity, and the average high school GPA, ACT scores, and SAT scores of their current freshman class. Exploring this data will give you an idea of what GPA and test scores the college is looking for.
Location
There are colleges to choose from all over the country and overseas. Knowing what you are looking for, location-wise, will help you to determine which schools to focus on. Here are some questions you should reflect on: Do you want to live down south? On the East Coast? West coast? Do you have family in a specific location that you would want to be close to? Do you prefer it to be hot all four seasons, or do you like the snow come winter season? Do you prefer to stay in your home state? Do you prefer to live at home while attending college? Do you prefer to be a plane ride away from home or a car ride? Additionally, when considering location, you should think about the surrounding area of the campus. If you have a preference for being in an urban, rural, or suburban area, this is something to consider.
Activities and Campus Resources
Taking your interests into consideration when choosing a college should not be ignored. Not only are you choosing a college to pursue an academic and career journey, but it is also about forming yourself into a well-rounded individual. This is done by involving yourself in campus activities and hobbies that you find enjoyment in. As you research different colleges, make sure you are looking into what the student engagement and campus life are like. Do some research on the student clubs and organizations, recreational sports, and research and volunteer opportunities that are available to students. Additionally, look into other campus resources that may be important to you. For example, checking to see what kind of mental health resources, such as student counseling services, may be part of your research. Also, looking into whether the campus offers a good student advising program, tutoring, and learning resources. These are all things to weigh in on a scale of importance to you when deciding on a college.
Choosing the best college for you is a complex process that involves uncovering your individual values, academic and personal goals, financial means, lifestyle preferences, and current academic standing. With that being said, there is a place for you, no matter what the situation. By taking the time to reflect on these areas, you can make an informed decision that will set the foundation for a life-changing and rewarding journey.
