Ten Things To Consider When You Begin Your College Search
Let’s face it, finding the best college for you takes patience, research, and even a bit of soul-searching. Way before you start filling out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or begin writing your application essays, choosing the right fit from one of the almost 4,000 degree-granting colleges in the United States may seem daunting, but there are some key factors that can help you filter out potential options into a manageable list of schools. Whether you’re a junior in high school or you’re a first year just starting to think about pursuing higher education, here are some important aspects to consider!
1. Academics
Academics should be one of the most important aspects to consider when choosing a university to attend. An academically rigorous school will challenge you to think outside the box and grow as an individual, but rigor isn’t the only thing that matters when it comes to academics. Here are some things to ask yourself when it comes to academics:
What academic programs are available?
Do professors work closely with students?
What opportunities for research are there?
2. Cost
The cost of attendance is a pivotal aspect of the college selection process. Before you choose a school, you should weigh the return on investment. Investing in higher education is a big investment for both you and potentially your family. You deserve the best academic experience possible for the money you’re putting in, so here are some things to think about:
How expensive is it to attend this school?
Are there any scholarships I can apply for?
Is the financial aid office accessible and supportive?
3. School Culture
You can tell a lot about the culture of a school simply by walking around campus. If you have the opportunity to take a tour or attend an on-campus event, by all means do so, but oftentimes visiting every school is not feasible. So how else can you catch a school’s vibe? We recommend checking out the school’s social media pages alongside reaching out to current students. Above all else, current students will be able to share their experiences and give you a sense of what to expect. Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
How large is the student population?
Are there student organizations that interest me?
What’s the campus vibe?
“My advice for students starting to think about college is to look for what you’d be doing beyond the classroom. You aren’t just choosing a college but a whole lifestyle. What will you do when you hang out with friends? How will you get there? Berkeley is able to offer so much, I can take the bus anywhere around the East Bay for free or BART to nearly any part of the Bay Area!” Gavriel ~ Media Studies and Political Economy Major, Class of 2025
4. Location
Are you looking for a school that’s a stone’s throw away from beautiful hiking trails or beaches? Would you be happy in a snowless region of the country or do you want a winter wonderland? Do you want your campus experience to be enhanced by work opportunities and the cultural richness of a nearby city? The location of your school should definitely not be overlooked. Depending on what kind of an experience you’re seeking, it may be a crucial aspect of your college decision-making process. Here are some things to think about when it comes to location:
What’s the weather like throughout the year?
How far/close will I be from home?
How large/small is the campus and is it easy to navigate?
Is the school close to internship opportunities?
5. Housing
Even if you plan on spending countless hours pigeon-holed in a study nook at the university library, where you rest is a critical aspect of your college experience. College housing may be one of the facets that differ the most across universities, and every school offers different kinds of housing at varying costs. Early on in your college search, ask:
Are there good housing options for incoming first-year and transfer students?
Is there housing close to campus/food/spaces I want to be in close proximity to?
What amenities are important to me?
6. Resources
Every college student faces a challenge or two throughout their academic journey. When it happens, resources and support systems on campus are designed to help you get back on track, whether you’re struggling in class or just need someone to talk to. Here are some important questions on resources:
Are there peer resources available to help me succeed?
What mental health services does the school offer and are they easy to access?
Does the school offer academic support beyond the classroom?
“When it comes to choosing a college, my advice is to think about what factors really matter to you. For example, is the school close to home? Does it have a good program for your intended major? Do you feel that the environment of that campus would be a good fit for you? There are so many factors one has to take into consideration when choosing the place to continue their education. But above all, listen to your heart! You can’t try and please others when making a big decision like this. Do what’s best for YOU!” Serenai ~ Public Health Major, Class of 2023
7. Opportunities
Opportunities on campus, whether they are student clubs or jobs, can enrich your college experience and provide you with new learning opportunities or simply a new creative outlet. Here are some things to look for in terms of opportunities on campus:
What kinds of active student clubs are there?
Will I be able to easily find an on-campus job if I want one?
Does the school have a career center to help me find internships/jobs?
8. Admissions
Take it from us, we know a thing or two about admissions. How a college handles their admissions process can be telling. Is the admissions office helpful in answering your questions? Does their office host virtual and in-person events to help inform prospective students? Is their application process riddled with confusing requirements? Once you start whittling down your list of schools, don’t forget to ask:
How easy is it to apply?
Is the application process expensive?
What deadlines do I need to know about?
9. Study Abroad
Depending on what you want out of your college experience, studying abroad may or may not be an important aspect of your decision-making process. Studying abroad may not be in your initial college plans but things may change throughout your college career. If you can already see yourself studying China’s history while sitting in a Beijing classroom, or want to research climate change by the coral reefs of Australia, you may want to ask yourself:
What regions of the world does my school have programs for?
Will it be easy to get credit for coursework?
If I decide I want to study abroad, how easy is it to apply/get started?
10. Outlook
The final thing to ask yourself before settling on a college may seem simple, but it’s usually the most important: How does the school make you feel? Even if you haven’t had a chance to visit, by learning about the history of the school, talking with current students, and exploring their website, you will start to get a sense of the school and if it is the right fit for you. Once you’ve narrowed down your list to those final two or three options, ask yourself:
How does the campus make me feel?
Will I grow and feel challenged here?
Does the school’s mission resonate with me?
We hope this list helps you wherever you are in your high school journey. Remember to follow your intuition, and good luck!
