9 Things to Consider When Finding the Best College for You
It's time to start thinking about where you want to go to college. There's a lot to evaluate when it comes to this decision, but the good thing is you don't have to worry! We've narrowed down the top nine things you should consider when deciding on your dream school.
1. location
How far do you want to be from home? Do you want to go to school out of state? Consider also factors like weather, city life, and access to grocery stores or hospitals.
2. Size
Are you looking for a large school, small school, or something in-between? Think about the size of the campus as well as how big your average class might be. Some students benefit from a smaller class approach because it makes it easier to connect with the professors and classmates, while some would rather have a larger class to attend.
3. Money
Most colleges encourage you to file the FASFA. You also should make sure to think about other types of aid you will need to attend college. It is important to assess how much you are willing – and able – to spend on your college education. Consider the amount of loans and scholarships you are eligible to receive and move forward from there. For more on financial aid, read our article “How Does Financial Aid Work for College?”
4. Major
Probably one of the most important factors, does this school have your major? Some majors are very niche and are offered at less schools than others, while some schools might also have a better program for your field of study. Investigate what kinds of opportunities each college offers and talk to professors to see if it’s for you.
Also, if you plan on attending grad school, it might be a good idea to pursue an undergrad at an institution known for your area of study. Torn between a major? That’s ok too! Look for a college that has multiple areas of study that interest you so that you have options.
5. Housing Options
Where you live is a huge part of your college experience and something to consider early on in your search. Some colleges allow you to live off campus, others require you to live on campus, and some offer Greek life opportunities. Contemplate what you think will fit your needs best and how important housing options are to you.
Also, you’ll most likely be paired with a roommate for at least your first year. This can be a big shift for students who have previously had their own room. Think about if you want to try to room with someone on your athletic team, someone you know from home, or even a random roommate selected by the university. Find out more about how roommates are paired from our article “How Does College Match Freshman Roommates?”
6. Atmosphere
Believe it or not, every college has their own kind of atmosphere for campus life, whether that’s made up of students who always find a way to keep busy or if it’s the kind of community that’s slower-paced and people stop and say “hi” as you head to class. Finding the “right” atmosphere for you can look like finding a school that aligns with your values and beliefs or simply finding a place where you’ll succeed the most.
7. Athletics
Do you want to continue with your athletics at the collegiate level? It’s important to think about the different divisions and scholarship opportunities a school offers, as well as how well you like the team and the coaching staff. Also, consider intramurals if you would rather continue your sport with a less committed approach.
8. Involvement
Every college often has a large list of student clubs and organizations that you can get involved in on campus. When looking at a school, think about which ones would be the most interesting to you. Do you want to continue singing in the choir, writing for the school newspaper or whatever other extracurricular activity you enjoyed in high school? Or are you interested in service-oriented organizations that look good on grad school applications?
If you’re not sure if you want to be involved on campus yet, that’s ok! Think about what kinds of events you’d like to attend instead, like hall events and athletic events.
9. School experiences
What do you hope to get out of your college experience? Do you want research opportunities? Internship and co-op opportunities? Leadership opportunities? The ability to learn a little bit about everything? Are you interested in studying abroad? Knowing what type of things you want to focus on in college can help you determine which school is more of a fit for you.
Great! You've made your list and figured out what your "ideal" college looks like. Now it's time to put it into action.
Visit!
The best way to determine if a school is right for you is to visit! If the college is far from you, consider taking a virtual tour. However, if it is one of your top schools, we recommend seeing it in person. Many schools often reimburse prospective students for travel based on distance and need, so do some research before-hand to see if you qualify. For what to expect when you arrive on campus, read our article "How to Make the Most of Your College Visit."
Make a Pro-Con list
Write down what parts of each college did and did not meet your ideal expectations for a school. This can help you visualize your options more clearly to make your choice. Not every college is going to check all the boxes. Some schools might meet most of your list but also be a little farther from home than you want, so it's important to consider what aspects of a college are the most valuable to you.
Deposit
Once you decide on the best college fit for you, it's time to deposit! There is usually a financial deposit required from an institution to hold your spot. Be in contact with the admissions counselors from your future school to learn how.
At Bluffton...
Personal campus visits, which are tailored to your individual interests, may be scheduled Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Register for your visit today. Applications are accepted from new seniors beginning June 15.