After you have applied to safety, target, and reach schools, the time comes when the acceptance letters start pouring in and you find yourself facing the question: which college should I choose? In making this decision, your personality, values, and a variety of factors such as potential majors, location, networking opportunities, tuition, and post-graduation job prospects all come into play. It can be a challenge to narrow down your options to just one. If you applied early action or regular decision, you may have until May 1 to finalize your college choice.
Learn more about When to Start Applying for College
Look at your List of Colleges
Back when you first decided what schools you wanted to apply to, you may have made a list. Think back on that initial list and remember why those were the colleges you applied to. As you’ve learned more about the schools, has your mind changed?
Do your research and find out what the current students at the school are saying. Check reviews on the campus, student services, cafeteria, career opportunities post-graduation, and any other amenity that is important to you.
Career Options
Remember that college is intended for you to find a job, ideally for a career that you love. The years you spend at a school are the foundation you will continue to build upon for decades to come. Look for a school where you can make connections, build your network and immerse yourself in the world you hope to become part of.
Check out the Career Center for the school and see what services are available. Many schools offer on campus recruiting in addition to a variety of other career services to current students as well as alumni. This potentially valuable resource can help you find internships and job opportunities throughout your career.
Available Majors
You may have a specific major in mind. It is important that you attend a college or university that offers the fields you are looking to enter. Larger schools often have a greater variety of majors available, if you are unsure of your chosen major and want options for changing it.
It’s a good idea to not only research the college itself, but to also research your intended major’s department. Does the department have a reputation for strong academics? Do the professors continue to research and actively participate in the field? Are there any features that make the department stand out? Your professors and instructors may have valuable insights to help you be successful in the field you are looking to pursue.
College Location
With all the many different types of schools available, you should also look at the pros and cons between
• Public vs. private colleges
• Large vs. small schools
• City vs. rural schools
• Close vs. far from home
If a school is giving you red flags for any reason, make sure to contact the school with questions that need to be answered.
Paying for College
How do you plan on paying for college? Over half of college students graduating with a bachelor’s degree have some kind of educational debt by the time they graduate. If you do not think you’ll be able to entirely pay for your education, look over what financial aid options are available to you. Carefully read over the university’s listed cost of attendance (COA) for your program and read what is included in the anticipated costs. One thing to note—while all schools are required to list a COA for each program which may include tuition and fees, room and board, books, supplies, transportation, food, personal expenses, etc., not all schools will have the same list and cost. Depending on the school’s location and the cost of living (think, New York City, NY versus Tulsa, OK), your living situation (on or off campus), as well as the overall cost of the programs at each school, there can be quite the difference in the COA of each school and program.
Each school you are accepted to will send you a financial aid letter. This will detail with grants, scholarships, loans, or work-study programs you may be able to receive. Even if you are offered similar types of awards from the federal student aid or state programs, the award amounts may not be the same at each school. And the school’s own financial aid grants and scholarships may make one school more affordable than another. If you’re confused about what types of aid you’re being offered at each school, that’s not uncommon. Financial aid award letters are usually different from school to school, and the way they present your aid may be confusing to follow. It’s always best to go over the award carefully and classify your financial aid as grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study. That way you have a clear understanding of what types of aid are “free money” and what types of aid you need to repay or earn.
Read over the article Financial Aid Award Letter and How to Read It to better understand your options.
Compromise
Your parents may be helping you with your college choices (and may be footing some or all of the bill), so make sure you are open and honest with them. And in turn, parents you also need to be open and honest with your child when it comes to choosing a college. If you’re helping foot the bill, they need to be aware of your budget constraints and how much financial assistance you are willing to offer. And this is your time to discuss your feelings with their college choices and programs.
Student, be sure to explain what your educational goals are and listen to their suggestions or advice. They hold a wealth of knowledge when it comes to life experience. In the end there may be some areas where you will need to make concessions, and some areas where your parents will need to compromise, but this is a great time to start those courageous conversations!
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