Choosing the Right College for YOU

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It’s about that time… college decision season! No, unfortunately I was not alluding to Christmas time, but that is around the corner as well. However, in all seriousness, college decision season is here. This is also the period where every time you scroll through your timeline, you see your friends and fellow classmates updating the world on where they will be pursuing their dreams. Maybe you are whole-heartedly set on a school, or maybe you have no idea which college is right for you, and that’s OKAY. ­In this post I will share with you a few good tips on how to choose the right college that suits you both personally and academically.

1. Money

Have you ever heard the term, “money talks”? Well, when it comes to looking at colleges, be sure to keep this phrase in mind. First things first, APPLY TO FAFSA! If you’re like most college students, you probably won’t be eligible for that much money in financial aid, but trust me, this is something you need to do because the slightest amount of money can make a difference.

With that out of the way, let’s get down to money talk. As an incoming student, there are numerous scholarships to apply for depending on your GPA, ACT score, etc., so apply to as many as you can. If you are not a new student and will be a transfer student like I was, there are still scholarships for you well. One universal scholarship that many schools offer is the “Transfer Student Scholarship” which often requires the student to have gained their associate degree and to withhold a specified GPA.

I know when you’re young and still in high school, looking at a school’s tuition may not seem like a big deal, but it is. Whatever amount of money that is not covered by the school will have to be paid for out of your own pocket and the most used option is with loans. (Eww, the dreaded L word.) While not having to pay them back for years to come seems so far away, interest will continue to grow until you pay them off and most of the time will add up to be more then you originally borrowed. To get to my main point, I think it is important to ask yourself, “Is this school worth going into debt over?” I think it is very important to compare different schools’ tuition and see which one is more doable for you. In no way am I saying to choose a school solely based on money, but I am saying you should keep the price in mind during your college decision process.

2. Your Major

When researching potential schools, one of the most significant characteristics you should be looking into is your major’s academic program. While it is great for a school to fit you personally, getting your degree is the main reason why you are there, so it is vital that you choose a school that you will excel in academically. My biggest piece of advice on this aspect is to do your research! Search online and see what current and former students have said about the school, as well as your specific program.

3. Growth

Personally, when I chose my college, I wanted to pick one where I could see myself thriving; one where I could see myself growing and evolving as a student, leader, and all-around person. Growth can be measured in several ways. Maybe it’s doing better in the classroom, accomplishing a set goal, or whatever the case may be, the school you choose should ignite that change. As time begins to wind down and your school list starts to get shorter, I hope that not only do you choose your dream school, but that it chooses you right back because it feels like home.