Looking at colleges to apply to or go to can be an overwhelming experience of uncertainty. Narrowing down reasonable options can be tough, compiled with the nervousness of getting admitted. Let’s look at a few ways to figure out what’s right for you:
Programs: If you know what you want to study, making sure a university has the program you need is key. Go to college’s website and look into their academic programs. Most colleges have similar offerings, but if you’re looking to enter a specific school like a School of Business or School of Law etc., look into the accreditation and stature of those schools at the college. Medical field careers are especially important to look at the specifics of what is offered. Explore your options of degrees no matter the school you’re looking at. If you’re undecided about what path you want to follow look into cheaper schools for prerequisites to save money, then transfer when you know what you want. Or look into schools with expansive programs and opportunities so while you’re there you won’t be limited by what they offer. Look for resources to compare programs at different colleges like this one.
Price: College is expensive, but it’s truly an investment. With such a large price tag you need to make sure you’ll be getting a return on your investment. A great resource is College Factual; they have a value ranking of many of the top universities in the United States. It’ll tell you a ranking of the value of the education for the price. Even if a college is a great value, its cost can be relatively high. Setting a max yearly price can be a great way to narrow it down. For example, an in-state school might provide you the best price of tuition. If you’re venturing out of state, look into programs like WUE for the northwest states. Financial aid is VERY important. Filing a FAFSA will let you know what government aid is available to you (make sure you know the deadline for potential schools or do it asap). If you have a high GPA or SAT/ACT score look into Presidential Scholarships and other merit-based scholarships. Compiling as much financial aid as possible will allow you a broader spectrum of schools. Just remember — don’t pay for an education that won’t eventually pay for itself.
Location/Campus: If you’ll be living on campus, or even if you’re not, it’s important to remember that this is your home for a few years. Look at what’s nearby, housing options on and off of campus, what traffic nearby is like, crime rates, and cost of living. Knowing what to expect when you move is important to make the transition smooth. If you’re moving far from home, how far will it cost you to come home over breaks? How will you adapt to the weather and climate of the area? Get to know everything about your campuses. Enjoying the campus you’re on will make your college experience much better. Here’s an example of where you can set up a tour on the University of Oregon website. Look into tour availability, if you can’t set up a tour then talk to others that attended the school (or maybe if it’s too hard to set up a tour you may want to consider other options).
School Spirit/Environment: The environment and spirit of a college and its surrounding area can have a HUGE impact on your college experience. It’s helpful to choose what you’re looking for to narrow your options. If you want a party school, if you want a serious school, if you want an athletic based school (with spirit revolving around athletics), etc. Look into what people say about their experience and the reputation of the school. You want a place that will fit your interests and provide you with experiences you will enjoy, know what you’re getting into with each of your options.
Amenities/Facilities: The majority of schools offer special facilities and amenities for students unique to their school. Maybe they have a fantastic gym that you will have access to, tutoring for your classes, great selection of food, or awesome designated study areas. Or maybe you’re interested in what you’ll get along with your dorm or other campus housing. Going to a school’s website and seeing what they offer students could be the deciding factor of your schools. Maybe the last two you’re deciding between have the same level of program, same cost for type of housing, similar price, and similar environment, seeing what else they offer you can sway you to your final decision.
