From kindergarten to your senior year of high school, you’ve likely been waiting a long time for this day to come. College is a transformative experience for young people allowing them to find themselves and express their unique personalities. For many, college is the first time they’ll be away from their parents, which can be the most exciting part about going to college. While going to college is something to look forward to, you’ll want to apply extra effort to ensure you pick the right university. So whether you’re counting the days until you leave or dreading them, here are our tips for selecting the best university for you.
Consider your major
When deciding what college to commit to, the most important thing to consider is whether they offer your major. Every school specializes in different things, and not every school offers every major.
For example, if you’re looking to earn your bachelor’s of business, you’ll want to attend a college that offers a great business program. If your goal is to become a doctor, you need to find a school known for its medical program. Whatever you see yourself doing for the rest of your life, you need to find a college that can support your educational dreams.
Location, location, location
After finding a school that offers your major, the location may be the next most important thing. For young high school graduates, leaving for college is the first time they’ll be away from home and the close eye of their parents. You’ll be living close to campus for the next two to four years, so you want to go to a college in a location where you can see yourself living. Are you looking for something completely different from home? Or are you looking for a college that offers many of the things you love about home? Consider your preferences for where you want to live.
If you can, consider visiting the campuses of the schools you’re considering. This can help you imagine yourself living there and help you decide whether the location is the right fit for you.
University quality
After you’ve found some schools that offer your major, the next thing you’ll want to consider is how good the program is at the school. Many colleges offer a wide variety of programs, but the quality of those programs can vary heavily. Just because a school offers your major, doesn’t mean the program is well-established.
Look for colleges that have long offered your major, as those colleges will have the most experience teaching the program. On the other hand, a brand new field at a great school doesn’t automatically mean the program is great too. New majors often have a lot of trial and error to endure, as well as long waitlist lines due to smaller classrooms and fewer professors. So it’s better to research the specific program offered at a school you’re considering to ensure you’ll get the best quality education.
Cost
Another vital factor to consider when deciding what college to attend is cost. Consider what your financial position is. Will your parents help you pay for college by sending you money? Will you apply for loans? Were you awarded any scholarships or grants? How you’ll pay for college can help you decide what college to attend. For example, private schools typically do not offer FAFSA loans and instead require loans from private lenders, which can have very high-interest rates.
If your parents have agreed to pay for your education, you’ll need to consider their financial situation. If you have a savings fund, you’ll need to consider how far it will take you in college. The cost of college can widely vary, and paying for student loans post-college can make your financial situation extremely difficult. This is why it’s recommended to consider cost and finances before committing to a university.
School culture
We all know of the party schools across the country and the highly-esteemed and serious colleges for committed academics. With so much variability, it’s important to find a school that aligns with your lifestyle preferences. Do you plan on getting involved in greek life? Find a college where sororities and fraternities are a massive part of campus life. Are you an older student and want to go somewhere that makes it easy for you to focus on your studies? Then look for a commuter college filled with students from the area looking to advance in their careers.
Whatever you’re looking for from your college experience, ensure the college you pick aligns with your personality and lifestyle. Some colleges are big on athletics, while others are more invested in the arts, so find a school that aligns with your interests.
Resources
Your time at college will be a period of growth as you acclimate to your educational routine. However, college isn’t only for academics but calls for personal growth among students. To support your long-term success while in college, you want to find a school that offers well-rounded support and resources.
If college will be your first time away from home, count on your first months or even years at college to be a major transitional period in your life. When determining what college to attend, consider what you’ll need for a well-rounded life. Ensure that your college can accommodate your needs, from basics like food, shelter, and public transportation, to more granular needs such as medical support for your physical and mental health.
While at college, you might also need other things such as tutoring, writing help, assistance with tough homework assignements, a library, a space to work, internships, and job opportunities. Whatever you think you might need, find a college that can support those needs.
Picking the right college for you
Going to college is an exciting time in a young person’s life, but choosing the right college for you can be overwhelming and add a lot of stress and pressure to your plate. Before committing to a university, there are many things to consider. From picking a college that offers your field of study, to getting all the resources you’ll need for your home away from home. You’ll be there for a few years, so you want to do what you can to ensure the college you pick is the right fit for you.
Ashley Nielsen
Ashley Nielsen earned a B.S. degree in Business Administration Marketing at Point Loma Nazarene University. She is a freelance writer who loves to share knowledge about general business, marketing, lifestyle, wellness, and financial tips. During her free time, she enjoys being outside, staying active, reading a book, or diving deep into her favorite music.
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