Noelle
What is the most important factor to consider when choosing a college?
I've managed to come up with a list of several schools that I like and would enjoy attending, but I'm at a bit of a loss when it comes to which schools I should even apply to, let alone which one I should go to, one has a way better academic program, but the price is a lot higher and it's a lot further away from my home. Another is incredibly cheap, has somewhat decent academics, but is located in the emptiness corner of Minnesota. Others half check all the boxes, I'm not sure how to whittle down the list, and wanted advice on what other people thought. #college #admissions
2 answers
Ana Owen
Ana’s Answer
make sure you visit the university so you can get a good feel for the it. Second make sure the classes are as relevant as possible to your future career. Consider the overall cost ( how much are apartments, food, travel to classes, etc)
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Lynette Smith
Lynette’s Answer
Personally, the academic program would be my primary consideration. You are investing in a "college education", after all, and getting the best education you can afford will pay off in terms of jobs, later on. Having a degree from a reputable school on your resume may set you apart from other job applicants. Plus, if the school is known for academics, that likely means it has top-quality professors, programs, and curricula. It may even have better libraries, computer labs, and other academic-related services. It may offer a wider selection of courses and programs, too.
Secondary considerations for me would be the student services
offered (housing, transportation, WIFI, academic advisors, student services,
etc.), how the campus makes you feel, and what the social life is like.
Visiting each school is ideal, but if you can't visit, then look at their web sites, read blogs from other students who have attended, and join social media groups of students from those schools, so you can ask questions about what student life is like at those schools.
Least important to me, would be the town it is in, or its distance from
home. Sorry, Mom and Dad, but in my experience, after the initial homesickness
wore off, I wasn't much inclined to come home, other than at Summer and
Christmas break! I was having too much fun with my new friends, and in my new
life away at college. Plus, my school was pretty big, so it felt a lot like its own little town. We socialized mostly at fraternity and sorority houses, and if we ventured out into town at all, it was no further than walking distance, to a local pub or bookstore. I liked the town well enough, but it wasn't a major concern.
Good luck!
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