Choosing a college is often emphasized as one of the most significant decisions in life, and rightfully so. The institution you select will shape your personal and professional trajectory for years to come.
However, many students make this choice based on emotions or a limited set of criteria, sometimes relying solely on intuition. While such factors may not hinder academic success, it is prudent to subject this crucial decision to a higher level of scrutiny.
When considering colleges, it is essential to evaluate a broad range of factors, including location, size, cost, academic quality, campus safety, available majors, and other personal considerations that hold importance to you.
Outlined below are crucial factors to consider when choosing a college. These factors begin with general aspects and gradually delve into more specific details. As you narrow down your list of potential schools, you will want to ask more detailed questions and conduct deeper research to determine whether a particular institution is a suitable fit for you.
Ask Yourself Why You are Going to College
Start by reflecting on why you are pursuing higher education. While this question may seem straightforward, the answer is rarely so. Most high school students do not have a clear idea of their future careers. However, keep in mind that you are selecting a college, not a major. Choosing the right institution is as much about self-discovery as it is about exploring prospective schools.
Although you may be uncertain about your desired career path, you likely have a sense of your interests and strengths. Contemplating these aspects will help you determine whether you lean towards liberal arts or a technical field of study.
Self-reflection will also aid in understanding other essential factors. Do you prefer a large or small school? Would you like to be far away from home or remain close? Is affordability a significant concern for you? Asking yourself these questions will shed light on your priorities.
It is also worth considering the possibility that you may not be ready for college just yet. Taking a gap year can be an option, but it is crucial to utilize this time wisely. While it is not a widespread tradition in the United States, other countries have students who take a year off after high school to travel, work, or volunteer. If you decide to take a gap year, ensure that you engage in productive activities. When you eventually apply to colleges, they will be interested in how you utilized this valuable time.
Selecting the right college is a decision that warrants careful consideration. By thoroughly evaluating various factors and delving into self-reflection, you can ensure that the institution you choose aligns with your goals and aspirations. Remember, this process is not solely about finding the perfect major; it is about discovering more about yourself and embarking on a transformative educational journey.
Accreditation
Before investing your time in researching a college, it is crucial to ensure its accreditation. Accreditation confirms that the institution has undergone evaluation by an officially recognized organization, which has reviewed its curriculum to ensure compliance with basic academic standards for higher education.
Most colleges readily provide this information on their website, typically on the About or Admissions pages. If you are unable to locate it, contacting the admissions department via phone or email would be advisable.
Accreditation can be granted at the national or regional level for a college or university. Additionally, specific schools, departments, or programs within an institution can also hold their own accreditation. This guarantees that your degree will be recognized by employers and other higher education institutions.
Type of School
The essential question to consider is the type of education you desire. Many students may respond that they are uncertain at this stage. However, you do not have to choose a specific major or decide on a career path just yet.
Take a moment to step back and ask yourself some fundamental questions: What are your interests and strengths? Are you more inclined towards liberal arts subjects or do you lean towards more technical fields like mathematics, science, or engineering? By the time you reach your junior or senior year of high school, you likely have some sense of your inclinations.
Different colleges and universities often have their own inclinations as well. A small liberal arts college may not provide ample opportunities for a student interested in pursuing engineering. In such cases, it would be more suitable for the student to apply to larger research universities that possess the necessary resources for engineering, along with other technical and scientific fields.
Consider the type of school as the broadest criterion in your decision-making process. It is a general factor that will help you narrow down your list of potential options. When combined with other factors described below, it will aid in clarifying your choices.
Geographic Location
Most students have a general idea of whether they prefer to stay close to home or venture further away. Consider whether you envision yourself living in a bustling big city or a more serene and tranquil environment. Reflect on whether a vibrant party scene is appealing to you as part of the college experience or if it would be more of a distraction. Additionally, think about the weather and regional culture that align with your preferences.
One crucial aspect to consider is affordability, especially when contemplating attending an out-of-state college, particularly in a more expensive big city. We will delve into cost considerations in more detail later, but it is important to note that opting for an out-of-state institution automatically increases expenses.
Geographic location can significantly impact your overall college experience. Even if you adore the school itself, disliking the surrounding area can make the next four years challenging. If you are considering schools in a specific city, ensure that you genuinely enjoy the location. If it has been a while since you last visited, it might be a good idea to schedule a trip to get a better sense of the city’s atmosphere.
Additionally, it is crucial to assess the crime rates and safety measures not only on campus but also in the surrounding areas. Most major colleges provide crime statistics for their campuses, and some even include information about their neighboring communities. While college is generally considered a safe and enjoyable environment, it is essential to acknowledge that crime can occur, and crime rates can vary significantly among different schools.
Size of School
The educational landscape is vast, with thousands of high-quality schools available, and they come in various sizes. The size of a school can provide valuable insights about its character. Similar to the type of school and geographic location, you likely have some inclination regarding the size of the institution you would prefer to attend.
Large colleges typically offer an abundance of resources. This includes extensive campus facilities such as student housing, libraries, computer access, health centers, athletic facilities, and a rich culture of entertainment. Large research universities often have substantial budgets allocated for faculty, classroom technology, and research and development labs in fields like science, engineering, and other disciplines.
Notably, larger institutions generally offer a wider range of academic options, providing hundreds of different majors and concentrations. This can be particularly appealing if you have not yet decided on a major or are interested in pursuing an interdisciplinary field of study.
On the other hand, small colleges have their own unique advantages that larger institutions cannot replicate. Many small colleges deliberately maintain a small size to specialize in liberal arts education or focus on specific disciplines within the liberal arts. The campus and class sizes are smaller, creating a more intimate college experience.
It is essential to remember that a small and cozy school can still be located in a bustling city. Conversely, a large public university can be situated in a small town, often associated with a vibrant party scene. Evaluating the size of a school should be done in the context of its surrounding environment to get a comprehensive understanding of the overall experience.
Is a Big or Small College Right for Me?
A Large College Might Be Right for You If…
- You do well with learning independently. You don’t often need help from teachers, and if you do need help, you’re able to recognize it and seek it out.
- You want a wide variety of clubs, sports, and activities to choose from on a daily basis.
- You’re okay with your professors not knowing your name, or you’re willing to make yourself stand out and get to know your professors.
- You want everyone to recognize the name of your school when you tell them where you go.
- You love sports and want to cheer on your team at big games.
- You’re undecided for your major or you’re pursuing an obscure major that isn’t offered at smaller schools.
- You’re more inclined to go after what you want and understand that you will have to compete with a lot of other students for opportunities.
- You want to have a large alumni network when you graduate.
- You get energized and exhilarated by large groups of people.
- You don’t mind being taught by teaching assistants instead of your professor.
- You can take the responsibility to regularly visit your academic adviser and make sure you’re on track for your major.
- You feel confident that you’ll be able to find your own community to feel a part of so you don’t get lost in the crowd. You don’t want to see people you recognize everywhere you go.
- You want research to be a major part of your education. This can be helpful in getting admitted to graduate school.
- You don’t mind taking a bus or walking a bit to get to class.
A Small College Might Be Right for You If…
- You depend on support and guidance from teachers. You have trouble recognizing when you need help, and rely on your teachers to step in when you need them.
- You’re okay with having fewer club, sport, and activity options. (Although there will still be plenty at almost all schools, you will just find a larger variety, as well as more specialized options at larger schools)
- You want your professors and classmates to know who you are, and you want to interact with them in a small class setting.
- You don’t mind if people outside your local area have never heard of your school.
- You don’t like attending sporting events, or you prefer smaller venues.
- You are certain smaller schools offer your major.
- You want less competition for opportunities (scholarships, work study positions, etc.). This could even mean there are actually more opportunities available to you because there is much less competition than there would be at a large school.
- You actually want to know the alumni of your school so networking is more meaningful.
- You quickly get overwhelmed and stressed around large groups of people.
- You want your professors to be the ones actually doing all of the teaching.
- You want your adviser to know you well and to keep on top of requirements for you, alerting you if you’re missing something or reminding you what classes you need to take.
- You want the whole school to feel like a community. You enjoy seeing familiar faces and running into acquaintances everywhere you go.
- Research isn’t part of your educational plan (many small schools don’t have research facilities).
- You want all of your classes and other campus facilities to be very close to your dorm or apartment.
Take a look at these lists and try to determine which one suits you better. Try putting a star next to each statement that describes you; you may end up being surprised by which section has more stars.
Also take into consideration any of these statements that are non negotiables for you. Maybe you have more stars in the small college category, but your major is only offered at bigger schools; if you’re 100% set on your major, then your decision will be made for you.
If You’re Still Unsure
If you have conducted thorough research and visited various schools but still find it challenging to make a decision, one option is to select a large university with smaller branch campuses. This allows you to begin at the type of campus you believe would be the best fit for you and easily transfer to a larger or smaller campus if you find yourself unhappy with your initial choice. Attending a smaller branch campus of a larger university can provide you with the advantages of a big school, such as a wide alumni network and name recognition, while enjoying the intimate atmosphere of a smaller campus.
Another alternative is to start at a particular type of school and focus solely on completing your general education (gen ed) courses, which are transferable to other institutions. This approach can be cost-effective if you spend a year or two at a more affordable school for gen ed classes and then transfer to your dream school for the remainder of your education.
It is essential to remember that starting at a school or in a particular major does not mean you are locked into that path indefinitely. If you begin at one school and realize that you are unhappy or made the wrong decision, you are not obligated to stay there for the entire four years. Even if it means taking a bit longer to complete your degree, an extra year or two is worthwhile if it brings you joy and allows you to better align your education with your future goals.
Additionally, consider the return on investment when making your decision. It is not necessarily true that graduating from a large, well-known university will automatically lead to higher-paying job prospects. PayScale’s College Salary Report demonstrates that both small and large schools produce highly paid graduates. In fact, Harvey Mudd College, a small school with an undergraduate enrollment of fewer than 1,000 students, ranks as the top school on the list in terms of highest paid graduates.
Overall Cost
While other factors may hold personal significance, cost can ultimately play a decisive role in your college decision. The wide range of education options available comes with substantial financial commitments, some of which can lead to years or even decades of debt.
Private schools generally have higher tuition costs compared to public colleges and state universities. However, private institutions often have larger endowments and offer more grants and scholarships, which can help offset the tuition expenses to some extent.
It’s important to note that tuition is only a portion of the overall cost of attending college. Additional expenses such as housing, food, transportation, books, and other cost-of-living factors significantly contribute to the total cost. If you are considering schools located in expensive cities like New York or Los Angeles, the cost of rent alone could be two or three times higher.
Remember the importance of geographic location? It is crucial to consider not just where you want to go, but also where you can afford to go. Attending college out-of-state automatically increases expenses, as you will be subject to non-resident fees for tuition, and the cost of living is likely to be higher as well.
If financial constraints are a significant obstacle, you might want to consider living at home and completing your general education requirements at a community college. This has become a common practice, not only for affordability but also due to the improved academic standards and increased ease of transferring credits to four-year universities offered by many community colleges. In fact, several studies indicate that community college students often achieve greater academic success than their university counterparts.
Academic Quality
While academic quality is not prioritized in this list, it is certainly an important factor that can ultimately be a determining factor in your college decision. The aforementioned factors can help you narrow down your list of potential schools, and academic quality should be given closer scrutiny as you proceed.
One valuable outcome of conducting a college search is the opportunity to learn more about the nature of college itself. Engaging in this process will help you clarify your academic and experiential goals. As your list of potential schools becomes shorter, it becomes increasingly important to carefully evaluate the academic offerings at each institution.
If your high school provides guidance counseling services, it is highly recommended to take advantage of them. A counselor can assist you in clarifying your preferences and goals. They can also provide you with resources, including reviews of colleges and academic programs.
Conducting your own online research is also crucial. Rather than just reading general descriptions of colleges, delve into specific departments and programs. You should be able to find ample information about nearly any school you are considering.
While rankings can be intriguing, they should be approached with caution as they can be misleading. Publications like U.S. News & World Report have their own criteria for determining rankings, which may not align with your own priorities when it comes to selecting a college. It can be beneficial to review rankings, but it is essential to dig deeper and consider multiple factors.
If you have a specific field of study in mind, use it as an advantage in your decision-making process. Look into the school’s job placement statistics for various departments. Find out what percentage of students are able to secure jobs after graduation. If possible, seek input from professionals in that field regarding their recommendations for colleges. This approach may lead you to discover excellent colleges that you may not have initially considered.
Faculty
You are absolutely right that academic quality and faculty are closely linked. College professors play a multifaceted role, not only as teachers but also as mentors and guides in preparing students for their careers and adult life.
If you have an idea of what you would like to study, it is important to carefully examine the faculty in related departments when considering a college. While it may be challenging to judge faculty members without taking their classes, you can start reading about different professors at different schools to develop a basis for comparison. If you have campus visits scheduled, try to arrange meetings with faculty members to gain a better understanding of their teaching styles and approaches.
While it is crucial to have well-qualified teachers, personal attention is also valuable. In larger universities, professors may have a stronger focus on research and delegate teaching responsibilities to graduate students. Smaller universities and community colleges generally prioritize classroom instruction and provide students with greater access to their professors.
Additionally, consider the student-to-teacher ratio and average class size. Student/teacher ratios offer an overall perspective on the college’s balance, but they can be skewed if professors primarily focus on research. If possible, obtain class size information for specific departments. It is worth noting that freshman classes tend to be larger, while classes in your major are typically more intimate, providing a closer interaction with faculty members.
Campus Environment
You’re absolutely right that the campus environment plays a vital role in shaping your college experience. Factors such as location, housing options, campus culture, and safety can have a significant impact on your overall satisfaction and sense of belonging.
Consider whether you prefer a college located in a big city or a rural setting. The surrounding environment can greatly influence your lifestyle and access to various opportunities. Some students thrive in the vibrant atmosphere of a city, while others prefer the tranquility and close-knit community of a rural campus.
Decide whether you want to live in student dorms or find your own apartment. Living on campus can provide a more immersive college experience, with greater proximity to classes and campus activities. However, living off-campus can offer more independence and a taste of real-world living.
Safety and campus security are important considerations. Look into the safety measures and resources available on campus to ensure you feel secure and supported throughout your college experience.
As you research colleges, gather information about the campus culture. Some schools have lively campus communities with numerous events and a wide range of student organizations. Others may have more commuter students who live off-campus, resulting in a different social dynamic. Understanding the campus culture can help you determine whether it aligns with your preferences and interests.
Visiting the campus in person is highly recommended, as there is no substitute for experiencing it firsthand. Walking the grounds, interacting with current students, attending campus events, and even sitting in on classes can provide valuable insights into the atmosphere and daily life at the college. While a second visit may not be feasible for everyone due to financial constraints, it exemplifies the importance of getting a firsthand impression of the college where you’ll be spending several years of your life.
Ultimately, you want to choose a college where you feel comfortable, inspired, and excited about being part of the campus community. Taking the time to visit and gather firsthand experiences can help ensure that the college you choose is the right fit for you.
Academic Majors
You make an important point about the significance of ensuring that the colleges you are considering offer the majors you are interested in studying. It would be disheartening to enroll in a college only to discover that your desired major is not available, potentially leading to the need to choose a different major or transfer schools, which can be costly and prolong your time in college.
While you have been exploring colleges based on general interests thus far, it is now essential to narrow down your choices based on potential majors. You don’t have to commit to a specific major at this point, but having a range of options in mind will be beneficial. Later on, when comparing two different schools, consider whether they offer all the majors on your list or if one of them falls short. Having this criterion can make your eventual decision much easier.
Ideally, if you already have a specific major in mind, you can search for colleges that offer programs in that field. This approach allows you to consider schools within the context of your larger career/life plan. You can thoroughly investigate academic departments and carefully select a school that aligns perfectly with your academic goals.
However, in reality, many students only declare a major during their sophomore year and may not have this information when initially choosing a college. That’s perfectly fine. If you have been considering the factors mentioned above and have a general idea of what you want to study, you should not encounter too many surprises.
It is worth noting that this approach may differ slightly if you are applying to a very small school with a limited academic focus. In such cases, it is advisable to have a specific major in mind when enrolling. If you end up deciding on a completely different discipline (which is a common occurrence), you may find yourself with limited alternatives within that particular institution.
Ultimately, choosing a major is a crucial part of the decision-making process that requires thorough research and consideration of the factors discussed above. Before investing too much time in this topic, it is important to weigh all the relevant factors and gather the necessary information to ensure that you make an informed decision.
Career Opportunities
You’re absolutely right that it’s important to have some consideration for your academic and career goals when choosing a college. Giving thought to what you want to do after graduation can help you assess whether a particular college will align with your future plans.
It’s worth investigating the career counseling services offered by colleges you are considering. Some institutions invest heavily in these services, providing valuable resources and guidance for internships and employment opportunities. If possible, gather statistics on career placement from the school, as a college that is active in this field will readily provide such information. Access to career counseling can be invaluable in helping you navigate the job market and make informed decisions about your professional path.
Additionally, some colleges and universities boast active alumni networks, which can be considered as career counseling on steroids. These networks, particularly at prestigious universities like Ivy League schools, keep the institution connected to various industries and provide graduates with direct access to employers and career opportunities. Alumni networks can be instrumental in forging connections, securing internships, and finding employment in your desired field. Considering the strength and reach of an institution’s alumni network can be a valuable factor in your decision-making process.
By taking into account the career counseling services and the strength of the alumni network, you can better assess how a college will support you in achieving your career goals and provide opportunities for internships, employment, and networking.
Seek Out Help
You’re absolutely right that choosing a college is a major decision and it’s important to involve others in the process. Seeking input from various people can provide valuable perspectives and insights that can help inform your decision.
Parents, family members, teachers, and friends can offer different viewpoints and experiences that can contribute to your decision-making process. They may have valuable insights about colleges they attended or have knowledge about specific institutions that can be helpful to you. College officials and graduates can also provide valuable information about their experiences and offer advice on selecting the right college.
Maintaining clear and honest communication with your parents is crucial throughout this process. While they may have their own opinions and priorities, it’s important for you to be in the driver’s seat when it comes to making the final decision. Ultimately, it’s your education and your future, so it’s important to take ownership of the decision-making process.
It’s also worth noting that successful and happy adults, whether they attended college or not, can provide valuable perspectives on their life experiences. They can share insights on how their educational paths, or lack thereof, influenced their lives and careers. Their perspectives can help you consider factors beyond just the college itself and emphasize the importance of making the most of the opportunities that come your way.
Overall, involving others and seeking input from a variety of sources can provide a more well-rounded perspective and help you make an informed decision about which college is the best fit for your needs and aspirations.
Perspective
You are absolutely right that choosing a college is a significant undertaking with many factors to consider. It’s essential to give the process enough time and thoughtful consideration to make an informed decision. Rushing through the process can lead to increased stress and potentially a less satisfying college experience.
By carefully weighing the various factors, considering your own preferences and goals, and taking the process step by step, you can navigate your way through the decision-making process. Starting with a general exploration of options and gradually narrowing down your choices as you learn more about yourself and the available colleges is an effective approach.
Remember to consider factors such as academic programs, campus culture, location, campus resources, financial considerations, and career services. Reflect on your own values, interests, and goals to ensure that the colleges you are considering align with your aspirations and will provide an environment where you can thrive.
As you gather information and insights, you will be able to narrow down your options from hundreds to just a few that truly meet your needs and preferences. This process requires patience, self-reflection, and careful consideration, but it will ultimately lead you to find a great college that is the right fit for you.
By being thorough and deliberate in your approach, you can reduce stress, increase your satisfaction with your college choice, and set yourself up for a fulfilling and successful college experience.