As famous French poet Anatole France is quoted to say, "To accomplish great things, we must not only act but also dream, not only plan but also believe." One of the most important decisions a person going into adulthood must decide is: if college is right for them, and if so- what college is right for them. When deciding on colleges, it is recommended to take the time to weigh the pros and cons of each particular school. Experts suggest getting started on the application process by the start of your senior year in high school. This is easier said than done as it is such a crazy time in their life. Students have their high school graduation, prom, etc., and time flies. This is all important, but please take the time to consider where you will go to college and get college visits and applications finished early.
When deciding on a college, you want to choose one that can help you achieve both your personal and professional goals. According to most admissions experts, students should apply to between four and 12 schools, depending on their application fee budget. You can divide schools into "reach," "target," and "safety" schools to help ensure you're submitting applications to a balanced mix of institutions.
Another big step in deciding what college you would like to attend is through visiting college campuses. Explore the college, look at the different amenities and talk to the students. Is this somewhere that you can see yourself for the next 4 years?
Location is also a big factor in the decision. If you decide to stay in your home state and attend a public school, you can qualify for in-state tuition, potentially saving you a lot of money on college. Though, going out of state can allow you to grow a feeling of autonomy and bring on additional learning experiences. You also want to decide if you like the idea of a small school or a large one.
Equally important, look at the academic majors that each college has and make sure that they have the programs that you are looking for. You do not want to attend a college where you are unable to get a degree in your dream major.
Because personal and professional growth also occur outside the classroom, it's important to consider the campus environment when choosing a college. Depending on your interests, you may want to investigate schools with extracurricular activities that you see yourself taking apart of.
Additionally, your college of choice should offer services to accommodate you as a person whether this be through religious groups, special learning accommodations or medical facilities. Lastly, your college should offer career services that help you find internships and engage with employers for future career opportunities.
We understand that this is a tough decision to make and we are here to help guide you if you have any questions! Good luck!