As a high school student getting ready to graduate, there are many things to consider, but choosing a college or university to spend your next four years is typically a top priority. College is a place where you will spend years furthering your education and earning your degree in hopes of launching your dream career. A college, if picked well, can give you many opportunities, many experiences, can expose you to people you would have never met, and ideas you would have never had. A college is a place to grow and network, where you can make connections and be introduced to people who are already well-versed in your major or career field. You can also meet mentors and professors who will guide you during those four years of intensive learning. I’m here to highlight some important points to consider when choosing a college or university for all types of students.
- Location: For students that reside in the United States, location is important because you may be choosing to move to another state or may want to stay close to home. Do you want to live on a large or small campus? Do you want city life or a suburban campus? Depending on what a student is looking for, the campus location can either make or break the decision. As an international student, although location may seem less important than moving to a new country, you might want to pay attention to location in terms of weather change. If you are the type of person that is sensitive to the cold, you might end up choosing to go to college in a state further south than somewhere like New York.
- Take a Tour of the Campus: Though there are many online resources and virtual tours out there, I do not recommend on skipping out on a real campus tour. Campus tours give you a preview into the campus culture and environment where you will potentially be spending the next four years! A campus tour can provide valuable insight when it comes time to make your college decision. During the tour you could find something that stands out and piques your fancy or find a place that feels like it could be home. Campus visits are important because you can leave with a good idea of what it could be like to attend that school. Campus tours are typically led by current students, so it is also an opportunity to ask questions and gain further insight into student life. Also, don’t be afraid to reach out to professors or the admissions office to speak with someone, ask questions, and get that personal touch.
- Community: The “community” refers not only to the people, but to the environment. Do some research to find out more about the student population. Is it a diverse campus? What types of clubs and organizations are there to join? What is there to do around campus? All students want to find a place on campus where they can belong so joining clubs that suit your background or interest can help you make connections and find your group on campus. It is also important to consider the size of the campus community. For example, out of all the Rutgers campuses, the one in Camden is the smallest ones, so it has made it easy for me to make friends and connections.
- Curriculum: In general, learning about the different majors, minors, and programs that a college offers is really important. You can get more information about the courses and degree requirements and explore different paths that may help you achieve your goals. If you have an idea of what you want to major in, you can start narrowing down your options based on which school does or does not offer the degree program you are looking for. You should also browse through the department website to see the different courses, fieldwork, and requirements that come with your field of study.
- Housing: Looking at the housing options at a university will be helpful for any student who wishes to stay on campus or in close proximity to the school. This could apply to out of state students, international students, or in-state students who just want to have the on-campus housing experience. For this please make sure to look at photos or a live tour of the living spaces they provide. Also take note of amenities like laundry, heating and air conditioning, and required on-campus meal plans.
- Financial Aid: Last but absolutely not least, financial aid. Financial Aid awards have a huge impact on making a college decision. I’ve known many students who got into their top choice schools but were not able to attend because of a lack of financial aid. It is important to compare your financial aid packages by looking not only at scholarship and grant awards received, but the total estimated cost. To avoid piling up on student debts, I would recommend taking financial aid into consideration when making the choice on which university is best for you!
Hope you found these tips helpful! Best of luck making your college decision and reaching your educational goals!