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How do you decide what college you want to go to?

Even though I'm in high school, I still have some time struggling on what colleges I want to go to, so I just wanted to know how does someone go about their decision.

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Kristine’s Answer

Hi Edvi!

There are multiple factors that I personally considered when I was applying to colleges:

(1) What do you want to major in? Some schools have better programs for specific majors. If you know in advance what you want to do, it would be beneficial to do some research on what schools are ranked best in that field. If you aren't sure, most schools will provide a wide variety of majors. For me specifically, I was leaning towards accounting when I was applying, which most schools have. I ended up going to a college which had a great business school, so that helped in my decision!

(2) Location - Do you want to be closer to home or do you want to try something further away? I personally wanted a little space from home, but an easy commute to come visit. As such, I picked a college that was 2-3 hours away from home. In addition, definitely consider the weather as you will be walking outside to get from class to class.

(3) Class Size/School Size - Do you want to have smaller classes and less people on campus in totality? Or do you not mind having some larger lectures? In my experience, I didn't mind having some larger classes and I wanted to be part of a bigger state school.

(4) Tuition/Scholarships - Are you able to get any scholarships anywhere or is there a certain cap on tuition that you want to keep to? Staying in state will definitely be cheaper than going out of state. Some schools will have varying levels of tuition as well. I personally had to take out some student loans, so this is definitely a key item to consider.

(5) Campus "Feel" - This is honestly one of the main things that I focused on. I wanted it to "feel" like a campus. I wanted to know where the campus started and ended, have lots of greenery around, and nice buildings and architecture around. For every tour that I took, I pictured if I could see myself walking around the campus and enjoying my time there.

(6) Extracurriculars - All schools will vary in the types of activities offered (i.e. intramurals, clubs, Greek life, sports, etc.). If you know that there is something you are interested in doing, definitely look for a school that has that! In my experience, my school had a dance marathon that I was very interested in doing, so this helped to drive my decision. I additionally wanted a school that had great sports teams since I love watching football. You will have lots of free time outside of your class work to meet new people and get involved in various activities, so definitely consider what you are interested in!

Overall, I highly recommend touring multiple schools to see which is the best fit for you. There are lots of great options out there, big and small. I wish you lots of luck in your search!
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Jashon’s Answer

Personally I’ve attended CTU. This was chosen because under my grant my tuition was covered. Ultimately seen out grants and company provided scholarships to decide. If the school aligns with your goals attend. And see if your tuition can be funded by your work or if credits from experience will carry. Denver community college has a program where tuition can be lowered by actual referenced job experience.
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Amina’s Answer

Deciding which college to attend is a significant decision that involves considering multiple factors to ensure the best fit for your academic, personal, and professional goals. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make an informed choice:

1. **Identify Your Priorities**
Determine what is most important to you in a college experience. Consider the following aspects:
- **Academic Programs:** Does the college offer strong programs in your field of interest?
- **Location:** Do you prefer an urban, suburban, or rural setting? Proximity to home?
- **Size:** Do you want a large university with diverse opportunities or a smaller college with a close-knit community?
- **Campus Culture:** What type of social environment and extracurricular activities are important to you?
- **Cost and Financial Aid:** What is your budget, and what kind of financial aid and scholarships does the college offer?
2. **Research Colleges**
Gather information about potential colleges through various sources:
- **College Websites:** Explore academic programs, campus life, housing options, and admission requirements.
- **College Fairs and Info Sessions:** Attend events to meet admissions representatives and ask questions.
- **Campus Visits:** If possible, visit campuses to get a feel for the environment and facilities.
- **College Rankings and Reviews:** Look at rankings for specific programs and read student reviews for insights into campus life.

3. **Evaluate Academic Fit**
- **Majors and Programs:** Ensure the college offers majors and minors that interest you. Check for any special programs or opportunities like honors programs, research, or internships.
- **Faculty:** Research the faculty’s expertise and availability for mentoring and research opportunities.
- **Class Sizes and Student-to-Faculty Ratio:** Consider if you prefer smaller, more personalized classes or larger lectures.

4. **Consider Location and Environment**
- **Geographic Preference:** Decide if you want to study in a specific region or climate.
- **Distance from Home:** Consider how far you are willing to travel and the cost of transportation.
- **Surrounding Community:** Assess the safety, amenities, and opportunities available in the college town or city.
5. **Assess Campus Life and Culture**
- **Student Organizations and Clubs:** Look for activities and organizations that match your interests.
- **Diversity and Inclusion:** Consider the campus’s commitment to diversity and support for different student groups.
- **Housing and Dining:** Evaluate the quality and options for on-campus housing and dining facilities.

6. **Analyze Financial Factors**
- **Tuition and Fees:** Compare the costs of tuition, fees, and other expenses.
- **Financial Aid:** Investigate the availability of scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and loans.
- **Cost of Living:** Consider the cost of living in the college’s location, including housing, food, and transportation.

7. **Seek Advice and Input**
- **Counselors and Advisors:** Talk to high school counselors or academic advisors for guidance.
- **Alumni and Current Students:** Reach out to alumni and current students to get firsthand insights into their experiences.
- **Family and Friends:** Discuss your options with family and friends to get their perspectives and support.
8. **Apply and Visit (if possible)**
- **Apply to a Range of Colleges:** Apply to a mix of reach, match, and safety schools to keep your options open.
- **Revisit Top Choices:** If possible, revisit your top choices after receiving acceptance letters to help make a final decision.

9. **Make a Decision**
- **Compare Offers:** Compare acceptance letters, financial aid packages, and other factors to make an informed decision.
- **Trust Your Instincts:** Consider where you feel most excited and comfortable about spending the next few years.

Conclusion
Choosing a college is a personal decision that should align with your academic goals, personal preferences, and financial situation. Take the time to thoroughly research and reflect on your priorities, seek advice from trusted sources, and ultimately choose the college that feels like the best fit for you.
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Roseles’s Answer

There are so many factors to selecting the college or university that you will attend. The answers on this thread cover these very well. I will add that, the best way to decide is by actually visiting the college campus. Try to envision yourself living there for 4 years, does the school provide the environment conducive to your academic preparation as well as personal growth. I was born and raised in NYC and really wanted to have a college experience that was completely different from the hustle and bustle of the city. I knew I wanted to go away to college, but am very attached to my family, so I wanted some distance but not too much. I decided on attending a university in upstate NY, a 5 hour bus ride away that transported me to a different world. My sisters followed the same path. My brother on the other hand LOVED being in the city, but definitely did not want to live at home, so he opted to dorm in his NYC University.

All in all, academics should not be the only parameter utilized to pick your school. This will be your home for the next 4 years, so certainly make a separate checklist for your personal preferences when making your decision. Best of Luck!
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Patrick’s Answer

Choosing a college may seem daunting, but by conducting thorough research based on factors such as program offerings, job placement rates, location, and cost, you can effectively whittle down your choices to a more manageable selection. It's crucial to find a college that offers strong programs in line with your preferred majors to ensure a comprehensive education from top-notch professors and a peer group that shares your ambitions. Opting for a college with impressive job placement records and robust career services can pave the way for landing your desired job post-graduation. Remember, location and cost are equally significant as they contribute to your comfort and stress levels throughout your college journey.
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Spencer’s Answer

Hi Edvi! Deciding on college can definitely be exciting (as well as challenging). As a first step, might I recommend identifying a few colleges that align with your interests? From there, you can do further research into the colleges you've identified and narrow down your potential college decisions.
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Jalpa’s Answer

Edvi, the tips mentioned above are indeed valuable. Here's an encouraging way to strategize your college applications by dividing your choices into three categories. Remember, each application comes with a fee, so it's crucial to make thoughtful decisions.

1) Dream College: Identify five colleges that align with your major and represent your ultimate aspirations.
2) Target College: These are the colleges that you'll strive to get into, again based on your chosen major.
3) Safety Net College: These are the colleges where your current academic standing guarantees your admission.

Here's a helpful article that further explains this strategy: https://www.princetonreview.com/college-advice/dream-match-safety-schools. Keep pushing forward, Edvi!
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Bill’s Answer

Hi Edvi, picking a college is definitely a stressful event! To make it easier, I think you need to spend time understanding what is important to you: Location, Major, Name, cost, etc. Once you can pinpoint what is most important to you, you can narrow the search. Ultimately, you need to pick a place you are comfortable with and excited about that will give you the future opportunities that you are looking for. Best of luck!
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Shirley’s Answer

1) Start with your career goals, and what do you want to do with your life? What majors does your desired college/university offer?
2) What's your budget in terms of paying for tuition, dorm, books/supplies, food, etc? Do you need to take out student loans?
3) Does the college/university offer any scholarships or financial aid?
4) What's the reputation of the college/university?
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Anne’s Answer

Hello,

I would first decide what you want to choose as your major.
Then, decide which state you want to live in. Some people like to live in the city, some people like to live in the suburban area.
Look over your GPA and SAT/ACT score and decide which college you can get into.
Also, consider some of the tuition assistance options when you choose a college.

Good luck!
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Lirio’s Answer

Identify your priorities such as academic programs, campus life, location, and cost.
Research colleges that align with these priorities and visit campuses if possible.
Consider academic fit by evaluating program quality and class structure.
Evaluate campus resources including support services and facilities.
Weigh social and cultural fit to ensure you’ll thrive in the college environment.
Assess financial aspects and compare costs and financial aid options.
Make a decision based on a comprehensive comparison and your personal preferences.
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Michael’s Answer

My considerations for college were:

1. Does this college have a good program for the major I'm interested in.

2. Does this college have other good programs if I change my mind early on and want to major in something else?

3. Can I afford going here? (Including what scholarships I may be able to get to cover part or all of the cost.)
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Shradha’s Answer

Hi Edvi,

We all go through the same as we progress towards our college decision. I would first figure out my areas pf interest, which means subjects that you are interested and want to pursue your career, look into top colleges that are good in the majors that you are planning to pursue. Once you finalize those colleges, visit them and see which interest's you the most. Finalize the list and go for it. Good luck!
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Christine’s Answer

I started with basic questions to help me narrow down where to look because I did not have a specific major or specific career path in mind:
--do I want a small college where I know most people or a huge one where I won't know most people (or in between?)
--do I want to be able to come home on a weekend by car? If so, I used 3 hours' distance or less from my home as my geographic boundaries.
--for American universities, do I want a college/uni that has American football and those type of student experiences (games, tailgating, homecoming, etc.)?
--do I have a type of weather I love or loathe?
--is there a type of activity that is a "must" to have as an opportunity in my college experience (Greek life, study abroad, philanthropy, etc.)?

This can help you narrow down your list even before you think about what type of majors/programs any particular school offers. Hope this helps!
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Amanda’s Answer

Hi Edvi!

It's awesome that you're pondering over this crucial decision while still in high school!

Here are some factors I took into account while choosing my college:

1. I initially focused on the program related to the career I was interested in. Before shifting my focus to accounting, I was deeply intrigued by foreign policy and aspired to become a diplomat. Hence, while exploring colleges, I ensured they offered robust International Studies programs that could equip me with the skills to excel in the field. I followed a similar approach when I transitioned to accounting.
2. Affordability was a key factor for me. Coming from a modest financial background, it was essential that the college I selected was within my family's budget. This didn't mean ruling out pricier colleges, but rather strategizing and doing everything possible to ease the financial pressure on my family. This involved applying for scholarships and financial aid, researching potential salaries for my degree post-graduation (to ensure I could repay any potential loans), considering in-state versus out-of-state schools, and more. Remember, attending a community college for the first two years can be a cost-effective and equally enjoyable alternative. So, don't overlook this option!
3. I chose to study out-of-state, but this may not be the right choice for everyone. Having family close by for support can be a significant factor, so consider the location carefully.
4. I had earned college credits for some high school classes, so I wanted a college that would accept these credits. This wasn't a major consideration, but it did help me save on costs and potentially graduate earlier.
5. The range of extracurricular activities on offer was also important. A vibrant social life and forming connections in college can be incredibly beneficial!

These are just a handful of considerations. There are many more factors that you could take into account.
I hope this guidance proves useful. Best of luck! :)
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Hafsa’s Answer

Hey there! I totally get where you're coming from - I faced the same dilemma! I had narrowed my choices down to three colleges. They all offered great programs for my major, the tuition was within my budget, and they were conveniently located near my home. What truly guided me was taking the time to visit each campus. This gave me a real feel for the campus atmosphere, the distance between buildings (which hinted at how much walking I'd be doing), and what a typical day at each college might look like. It was a great way to visualize myself on each campus and decide where I felt most at home. I hope this advice is helpful for you! Wishing you all the best on your college journey!
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Tiffany’s Answer

Hi Edvi, This is a great question! The school chosen should be ranked based on what is most important to you. Some key needs to think about are the following: 1) How much will it cost me —you don’t want to accumulate too much debt early in your journey. 2) Does it have my major field that I want to study? 3) What are the requirements to be accepted. 4) Will I have the support I need to finish and graduate? College is tough so you want to have the resources available to succeed. These are the top 3 things to think about. Remember, most people who go to college also want graduate degrees later on. Use that strategy in deciding. I hope this helps! Tiffany Boyd, M.D, FACOG
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