Applying to college can be a stressful time, whether you are a current senior or someone looking to transfer to another college. It is never easy to find an institution where you will spend the next two to four years. During my college application process, I had so many questions on how to choose the best college that would fit my needs as a scholar, so I will be giving my best tips to those future college students who are looking for guidance.
Academic Fit
First things first, you want to make sure your school fits your academic needs. When making your list of colleges to apply to, make sure you are finding schools that have good programs for your major. Let’s say that you are looking to major in science — the last thing you want to do is apply to a liberal arts school or a school that does not have a strong STEM program. Taking a step like that can lead you to be stranded when you need certain resources to help fulfill your major requirements, or having to take time to find those resources yourself instead of already having them at your fingertips.
Financial Fit
Another major component to consider when applying for colleges is meeting the financial standard. College tuition is constantly going up every year, and you must keep track of how much it costs to go to each college that is on your list. Hypothetically, let’s say you get into your dream school, but they are not offering you any financial support. Will you be able to financially support yourself? Are there any scholarships that you can apply for that will help take care of your tuition? These are questions that you need to be asking yourself when considering colleges. My best advice for this area is to apply to as many scholarships as possible. Do your research and find ways for your tuition to be lowered at that specific institution. Talk to financial aid and find those loopholes. Remember, closed mouths don’t get fed!
Campus Environment
The next thing to consider when picking a college is the environment you will be in. Think about where you currently live. Are you in a more rural or urban area? Which one better fits you? These are important to remember when picking your college. This will determine which environment better fits you. For me personally, I grew up in a more urban area, so when picking a college, I knew I wanted to be in the city. Also, think about how far from home you are going to be. Would being away from home for months at a time work for you, or do you see yourself going home every weekend? Homesickness is a real thing, so think about which one you can handle best when choosing where you want to go to college. Lastly, think about the diversity of the campus. Is diversity something you want to see on your campus? This also plays into the location of your college.
Personal Fit
Last but certainly not least is personal fit. When you imagine finally stepping onto your college campus, which college immediately comes to mind? Is it a school that is hands-on, a large university, with Greek life and athletics? Is the school independent, a small college, and less into athletics and organizations? The choice all comes down to you and what fits you the most. Pick the school that best fits you — not your friends, or your parents, or your siblings, but you personally. I hope this guide helps any upcoming college students or current college students with their decision. In the long run, it will all be worth it.