6 answers
Solayla
Student
Chesterfield, Virginia
1
Question
Updated
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How do I find out what school I want to go to between two strong options?
How do I weigh out the pros and cons of picking the right college for me? Both universities are amazing and I have been told I can not go wrong with either but I want to maximize my college experience.
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5 answers
Prema Sequeira
Engineering Manager
27
Answers
Allentown, Pennsylvania
Updated
Prema’s Answer
Hi Solayla,
I am going to recommend what we did with my daughter.
1) Check US Rankings - https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings
2) Engage with students and parents in different forums. Sometimes they give insight into things that may be important to you but not something that you would have thought to check. We used these and a number of other sites that I don't remember now
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
https://collegeconfidential.com/
3) Visit the campus - we realized that my daughter preferred the university to be in the city vs a college campus. Think Columbia vs Princeton.
4) Networking opportunities - As you said all things being equal, if you have good clubs, alumni associations these are going to help you in the long run.
5) Do they have good resources and opportunities for internships and jobs.
6) What scholarships are they offering or how expensive/not expensive is the fees. Cost of living etc
7) Is the major you are interested in something they are known for?
After all this, make a pros and cons list and MAKE the call. PS: Do not think as the HS student you are but as the college student you are going to be. Friendships, you will make new friends. I am on the swim team - unless you got a scholarship, your interests might change. College is when you are going to explore and experience a lot of new things.
Be bold, be brave and be honest with yourself. Do NOT regret your decision once you have made it.
You've got this. Good Luck and Congratulations on finding 2 good colleges that you love.
I am going to recommend what we did with my daughter.
1) Check US Rankings - https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings
2) Engage with students and parents in different forums. Sometimes they give insight into things that may be important to you but not something that you would have thought to check. We used these and a number of other sites that I don't remember now
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
https://collegeconfidential.com/
3) Visit the campus - we realized that my daughter preferred the university to be in the city vs a college campus. Think Columbia vs Princeton.
4) Networking opportunities - As you said all things being equal, if you have good clubs, alumni associations these are going to help you in the long run.
5) Do they have good resources and opportunities for internships and jobs.
6) What scholarships are they offering or how expensive/not expensive is the fees. Cost of living etc
7) Is the major you are interested in something they are known for?
After all this, make a pros and cons list and MAKE the call. PS: Do not think as the HS student you are but as the college student you are going to be. Friendships, you will make new friends. I am on the swim team - unless you got a scholarship, your interests might change. College is when you are going to explore and experience a lot of new things.
Be bold, be brave and be honest with yourself. Do NOT regret your decision once you have made it.
You've got this. Good Luck and Congratulations on finding 2 good colleges that you love.
Phill Pezo
Industrial Design
103
Answers
Nutley, New Jersey
Updated
Phill’s Answer
Hey Solayla,
It is great to hear that you are considering everything in order to have the best college experience you can. It might feel like a gamble either way, but that is any new experience, which can lead to great things. If you have not already, make a list of what is most important to you when going to a university from most important to least. Then you can do the same with the schools you are considering and compare.
Contacting current students of the universities that you are considering can give you an idea of what the school and programs are like. Try finding students that attend the school and ask them what they think about the university, what program they are in, and if they know anyone that is in the one you are entering. If you are struggling, go to the school website and find an email from the program you are entering like a professor or administrator. They might be able to put you in direct contact with a student.
For the most part, try your best going with your gut. Know that either option is a great success. There might also be financial obligations to consider, but do not let that stop you for doing everything you can to choose the university of your preference.
Best of luck on your journey!
It is great to hear that you are considering everything in order to have the best college experience you can. It might feel like a gamble either way, but that is any new experience, which can lead to great things. If you have not already, make a list of what is most important to you when going to a university from most important to least. Then you can do the same with the schools you are considering and compare.
Contacting current students of the universities that you are considering can give you an idea of what the school and programs are like. Try finding students that attend the school and ask them what they think about the university, what program they are in, and if they know anyone that is in the one you are entering. If you are struggling, go to the school website and find an email from the program you are entering like a professor or administrator. They might be able to put you in direct contact with a student.
For the most part, try your best going with your gut. Know that either option is a great success. There might also be financial obligations to consider, but do not let that stop you for doing everything you can to choose the university of your preference.
Best of luck on your journey!
Marty Cranmer
Manager Engineering Support
6
Answers
Fairport, New York
Updated
Marty’s Answer
When I was faced with this same challenge years ago, I chose the school that had a broader range of programs. I did this in the event that I would decide to change my major...I did not necessarily want to change schools to make a change in direction.
In fact, this did happen and the school I had chosen had the new major I moved to (Computer Science). I was able to stay in the same city, have the same friends, etc. and not have to start over at a new school. I know many people who decided to go to a smaller university that was very strong in one program but did not have a very diverse scope of majors. When they decided to change their major, they were forced to change schools...go to a new city, make new friends, etc. In fact, I know many people that changed majors AND SCHOOLS three or more times because they kept picking schools with very limited offerings.
In fact, this did happen and the school I had chosen had the new major I moved to (Computer Science). I was able to stay in the same city, have the same friends, etc. and not have to start over at a new school. I know many people who decided to go to a smaller university that was very strong in one program but did not have a very diverse scope of majors. When they decided to change their major, they were forced to change schools...go to a new city, make new friends, etc. In fact, I know many people that changed majors AND SCHOOLS three or more times because they kept picking schools with very limited offerings.
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
480
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Hi Solayla - you pose an excellent question and have received a lot of great advice. Have you already received acceptances from both schools? If so, I would like to underscore what Prema said about visiting the campuses, talking with students, and attending a class, if possible. There is no substitute for that level of personal experience.
If you have not been accepted yet, try to keep an open mind about all the places you have applied. Your own words about maximizing your college experience make me confident that you will find the best in wherever you go. Good luck!
If you have not been accepted yet, try to keep an open mind about all the places you have applied. Your own words about maximizing your college experience make me confident that you will find the best in wherever you go. Good luck!
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Solayla. You need to take time to understand what matters most to you, both academically and personally. First, think about what you truly want from your college experience. Ask yourself question such as: Do I want a big or small campus? Do I prefer a busy city or a quiet college town? Do I value close relationships with professors, or do I enjoy large lecture settings?
Next, you need to learn more about what makes each school special. Look closely at the programs that interest you. Which college has better classes, research options, or internships for your field? Try to visit each school if you can, or talk to current students and graduates. They can tell you what life there is really like and what they enjoy (or don't).
You can also imagine yourself at each college. Picture where you would live, where you'd study, and what your weekends might look like. Sometimes, one school just feels more like home. That feeling can be an important clue about where you'll be happiest.
Finally, write down the pros and cons for each school. When you see everything written down, it's easier to compare. If one school clearly offers more of what you value most, that may be your answer. But if both are still equal, remember there is no wrong choice. What matters most is what you make of your experience.
Wishing you all the best.
Next, you need to learn more about what makes each school special. Look closely at the programs that interest you. Which college has better classes, research options, or internships for your field? Try to visit each school if you can, or talk to current students and graduates. They can tell you what life there is really like and what they enjoy (or don't).
You can also imagine yourself at each college. Picture where you would live, where you'd study, and what your weekends might look like. Sometimes, one school just feels more like home. That feeling can be an important clue about where you'll be happiest.
Finally, write down the pros and cons for each school. When you see everything written down, it's easier to compare. If one school clearly offers more of what you value most, that may be your answer. But if both are still equal, remember there is no wrong choice. What matters most is what you make of your experience.
Wishing you all the best.