Senior Year is a busy year for most students. Earning good grades, maintaining friendships, and working part-time jobs take up a lot of time already. On top of that, college applications are waiting to be filled out and there are tons of colleges to choose between. There are many things to consider in this time, but these are the details I find to be of utmost importance.
1. Your Major – If you already have a major in mind, this will be fairly easy to navigate. Some universities have better programs than others when it comes to your course studies. The schools that have a strong department in your major should be prioritized in the decision-making process. If you don’t have a major in mind just yet, consider colleges that have a reputation of being well-rounded.
2. Location – This is an important detail when considering the place you plan to call home for the next four years. For some people, going to a university far away can be a chance to grow independently. For others, a school far away may provoke lots of nerves and anxieties. Whatever distance you decide to travel for school, college is a great adventure waiting to be explored.
3. Scholarship – This one is clearly a priority! If you grew up in a hometown that has its own university, you may be able to attend that college for little to no money out of your pocket. This is especially true if you plan to live at home rather than in a traditional dorm or apartment because the cost of staying home is a lot cheaper than going away for school. However, scholarships can still be earned for a university outside your hometown. Moving out of the house you grew up in and into a dorm room a few hours away could be expensive compared to staying home. For those of you who are longing to get out and be independent immediately after high school, these scholarships can help with out of town tuition and may encourage your decision.
4. Campus – Every college campus is different and unique. Some may have larger libraries while others have bigger gymnasiums. Depending on how you decide to spend your time out of class, may help direct your choice between different college options. Universities may also offer more ways to socialize than others. It’s important to consider campus life before deciding which school to attend.
There are many things to consider when deciding on a college. From social clubs to distance from home, the process of picking a university can be difficult. Keeping key characteristics in mind can benefit your journey towards selecting your home for the next four years. However, amidst all this researching and touring, remember to enjoy your time as a high school senior. This year only comes around once. Once your time in high school is over, making new friends and studying coursework tailored to your major is just a few short months from reality.