6 answers
mckenna
Student
Circleville, Ohio
1
Question
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What do you do when you can't decide which college to pick, especially when they're both equal in greatness?
I am trying to decide between two colleges and can't decide which to go with. I want to dorm with my best friend and have the college experience everyone talks about, but my other college offers a bit more of a broad major I desire to go into.
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6 answers
Nick Cheng
Consultant
7
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Nick’s Answer
Hi McKenna,
Having multiple college offers is a good problem to have. To answer your question, you need to ask yourself what are you looking for in the next 4ish years and rank them. If the college experience or being close to your best friend is highest, then maybe the first one is better. But if you are going to college because you have a specific career path you wouldn't be able to pursue elsewhere or the chance of getting into that career is harder, then the second college might be better.
If you haven't already, visit the school campuses too. There's a very big difference between the 2 universities I attended - one was in the heart of a city and the other was in a college town 3 hours away from a major city - however, I enjoyed both because it was what I needed at the time. For example, when I went back to school again in the college town, my intention was to focus on school only and not go out to the city as much, thus that campus worked better for me.
One last thing, I roomed with one of my best friends in college and it ended up hurting our friendship. Fortunately we are great terms again now but it took years to patch things up. Surprisingly, a little distance can be healthy sometimes!
Having multiple college offers is a good problem to have. To answer your question, you need to ask yourself what are you looking for in the next 4ish years and rank them. If the college experience or being close to your best friend is highest, then maybe the first one is better. But if you are going to college because you have a specific career path you wouldn't be able to pursue elsewhere or the chance of getting into that career is harder, then the second college might be better.
If you haven't already, visit the school campuses too. There's a very big difference between the 2 universities I attended - one was in the heart of a city and the other was in a college town 3 hours away from a major city - however, I enjoyed both because it was what I needed at the time. For example, when I went back to school again in the college town, my intention was to focus on school only and not go out to the city as much, thus that campus worked better for me.
One last thing, I roomed with one of my best friends in college and it ended up hurting our friendship. Fortunately we are great terms again now but it took years to patch things up. Surprisingly, a little distance can be healthy sometimes!
Colby Johnson
Consultant
8
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Colby’s Answer
Hi Mckenna, that's an excellent question.
I faced a similar decision when I decided where to go to college. I was torn between two options, so hopefully I can shed some light now that it's been 10 years since I graduated.
Without knowing the majors you're considering, I can't 100% say how much of an impact the broader major will have. But assuming that the majors are generally pretty similar and will set you up for the career you'd like to pursue, my best advice would be to not get too caught up in the major selection. I think it's okay to make your decision based on having the "college experience" that you are looking for. When you look back at your college years much later in life, you may thank yourself that you didn't overthink it based on a small difference in majors.
There are lots of people (myself included) who major in something, get their degree, and end up doing something different from that. Looking back at my college decision, the major really didn't matter that much for me. What mattered for my situation was that I graduated with a college degree, and that was enough to get me started down a career path.
This is a bit of my own personal opinion. Of course, if your major and desired career path is in something very specific, or very specialized, then perhaps the major decision is more critical than I'm making it.
Another thing I would recommend is to make a pro & con list about the two options! You mentioned a couple here, but I'm sure there are more. Write it out on paper and the decision may become obvious to you when looking at your lists.
Whichever decision you make will be the right one, and you will make the most of it!
I faced a similar decision when I decided where to go to college. I was torn between two options, so hopefully I can shed some light now that it's been 10 years since I graduated.
Without knowing the majors you're considering, I can't 100% say how much of an impact the broader major will have. But assuming that the majors are generally pretty similar and will set you up for the career you'd like to pursue, my best advice would be to not get too caught up in the major selection. I think it's okay to make your decision based on having the "college experience" that you are looking for. When you look back at your college years much later in life, you may thank yourself that you didn't overthink it based on a small difference in majors.
There are lots of people (myself included) who major in something, get their degree, and end up doing something different from that. Looking back at my college decision, the major really didn't matter that much for me. What mattered for my situation was that I graduated with a college degree, and that was enough to get me started down a career path.
This is a bit of my own personal opinion. Of course, if your major and desired career path is in something very specific, or very specialized, then perhaps the major decision is more critical than I'm making it.
Another thing I would recommend is to make a pro & con list about the two options! You mentioned a couple here, but I'm sure there are more. Write it out on paper and the decision may become obvious to you when looking at your lists.
Whichever decision you make will be the right one, and you will make the most of it!
Abhijit Reddy Thumma
Assistant Manager
3
Answers
Tontitown, AR
Updated
Abhijit Reddy’s Answer
When both options are equally strong, choosing the one where your friends are can be a great decision. Building good college memories and strong relationships is just as important as the course you pursue. With so many online learning resources and networking opportunities available today, you’ll have plenty of ways to supplement your education regardless of your choice.
On the other hand, if you’re looking to challenge yourself and grow as an individual, stepping out of your comfort zone and tackling things on your own can help you discover new strengths and perspectives. Either way, trust yourself—you’ll make the most of your experience. All the best!
On the other hand, if you’re looking to challenge yourself and grow as an individual, stepping out of your comfort zone and tackling things on your own can help you discover new strengths and perspectives. Either way, trust yourself—you’ll make the most of your experience. All the best!
Jennifer N Kelly
Auditor, Product Owner
7
Answers
Lisle, Illinois
Updated
Jennifer N’s Answer
Hello Mckenna,
Only you can make this decision, but my advice is to make a pro/con list for each option. It may see cliche, but it will allow you to think about each option - what will be good and what may be not so good - and allow you to look at the big picture and truly weigh your options. It sounds like you already have a pro for each option, but what else could there be and are there any downsides to either option? Best of luck!
Only you can make this decision, but my advice is to make a pro/con list for each option. It may see cliche, but it will allow you to think about each option - what will be good and what may be not so good - and allow you to look at the big picture and truly weigh your options. It sounds like you already have a pro for each option, but what else could there be and are there any downsides to either option? Best of luck!
Tyler Benbow
Consulting
1
Answer
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Tyler’s Answer
Hi McKenna,
I faced a similar decision just a few years ago & it can be really daunting in the moment. A couple things to consider and remember:
1. Nothing is permanent; if you decide the college isn't for you after a semester or a year, you can always transfer!
2. You're going to make friends no matter the school you choose!
3. The college experience everyone talks about is unique, regardless of where you go, you will have a great time!
Similar to Colby, I'd make a pros and cons list - that will help a lot! Lastly, trust your gut - it's usually spot on.
Best of luck with your future endeavors, you won't make the wrong choice!
I faced a similar decision just a few years ago & it can be really daunting in the moment. A couple things to consider and remember:
1. Nothing is permanent; if you decide the college isn't for you after a semester or a year, you can always transfer!
2. You're going to make friends no matter the school you choose!
3. The college experience everyone talks about is unique, regardless of where you go, you will have a great time!
Similar to Colby, I'd make a pros and cons list - that will help a lot! Lastly, trust your gut - it's usually spot on.
Best of luck with your future endeavors, you won't make the wrong choice!
Chaz Terribile
Business Development
8
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Chaz’s Answer
Try to factor in the city/town the college is in and understand what it has to offer outside of education. Look into the off campus housing prices and see what has a better market/affordability.