Tips for Choosing the Right College

Attention High School Juniors!
Entering college may not be the first thing on your mind as you start school this Fall, but it is a decision you should start working on early because there are so many things to consider. You’re beginning your last half of high school and if you think the first two years went by quickly, get ready for the last two to go by twice as fast. It's important to enjoy the rest of high school, but it’s also a good idea to start thinking about your next big step.

The Major Factor
One of the major factors in choosing the right college is your major. Does that mean you have to declare your major upon entering college? No, many students choose to start as “undeclared.” Yet, you’ve known yourself for nearly a couple decades now so you’re probably quite familiar with your likes, dislikes, strengths, and talents. Surely you have an idea what you lean toward academically and you’ve had some thoughts about what career you might like to pursue. Which colleges offer (or might even be know for) the major you are leaning toward? What degrees do they offer? Take the time to research careers before entering college and throughout your college years. Your direction may change several times, but it is better to make choices based on good information.

What Feels Right?
When choosing a college you’re also choosing to spend several years at a specific location. What kind of place do you feel most comfortable? Or would you prefer to explore an area you’ve never been to before, perhaps a place completely different from home? Speaking of home, how far do you want to live from home and how often do you want to visit? Do you prefer a small setting or a large campus? Remember, college will already be a complete change from high school, even if you don’t go far from home. How much change on top of this major transition do you want to experience? You know yourself better than anyone. Are you adventurous and outgoing or do you need access to the comforts of home and small group interaction? Are you looking forward to joining certain organizations, sports, or social activities? Of course a campus visit will give you the best information on whether you’re getting a “good match” feeling.

Those Darned Financial Factors
Now, no matter how well you know yourself you’ve probably learned over the years that you don’t always get what you want. For instance, I might like to take a couple months to travel the world, but unfortunately there are plenty of restrictions that inhibit me from doing so and one of them is a financial restriction. Can you (or your family) afford the college? How much debt are you willing to take on (or should you take on)? What kind of financial aid is available? Are there less expensive colleges on your list that are just as likely to meet your educational and career goals?

What Can The College Do For You?
How will the college assist you in meeting your goals? What are the qualifications of the faculty? Do they have adequate and up-to-date resources? How is the college ranked? What is their retention rate (how many stay there after freshman year and how many graduate)? What kind of internship programs might you be able to access?

Don’t Forget They’re Choosing You Too!
Of course all of these considerations are secondary to you actually being accepted. Considering your chances of acceptance is a significant part of deciding where to apply. Hopefully your grades, test scores, and extra curricular activities match the qualifications for a successful application to a college you prefer. As we've already discussed, money is often a factor too, so scholarships will also greatly influence your choices.

Your Final List
In order to narrow down your list be sure to visit college websites and gather as much information as you can. Use online virtual tours, visit the campus directly, talk to students, talk to counselors, and invite opinions from others who have your best interest in mind. Keep a list and track the pros and cons of each college. Continue to narrow down your choices. Once you have a reasonable list (some say this would be 10 or fewer schools), you’re ready to apply. Most experts recommend you have a mix of those you realistically expect to get into (a.k.a. "safety schools")and those “harder-to-get-into” schools you hope to get into (a.k.a "dream schools"). Remember, most schools have application fees, so if your funds are limited during this process you may need to narrow down your list even further.

Smile! It’s Time to Choose!
Once you know where you’ve been accepted, revisit your reasons for wanting to attend each college. Couple that with financial considerations such as scholarships and financial aid. Now smile because this part of the process is finally over! Smile because now it’s your choice! Smile because you’re heading to college!

Lynn Mattoon, Content Editor & Career Writer for
CollegeJobBank.com, a Beyond.com career community.