Picking a college after high school is more serious than choosing what's for dinner or your next phone—your college search will impact your future. Finding the perfect school that's just right for you can be super stressful.
Knowing where to start looking is tough with so many college options nationwide. What are you even supposed to be looking for in a school? Even in high school, there are many ways to get your search going.
You may want to stay close to home or go somewhere new. You could follow in your parent's footsteps or go somewhere more affordable. You may also like to attend a school that promotes extracurricular activities.
There are essential things to consider when deciding on a school to apply to that will ensure you end up at the best college or university. Everyone will have different ideas of what matters most in picking a college.
Things to Look for in a College or University
Choosing the right college or university to apply to can take time and effort. Higher education is, after all, a major transition. The thought of a different campus life and bigger class sizes may overwhelm you. These concerns are expected, so don't let them get to you.
You're already one step ahead if you pass the college admissions test and get high test scores. From there, you can adjust to campus life one day at a time.
Here's a simple guide to help you identify the key things to consider when applying to a college or university. This guide aims to make the process much smoother.
Possible Career Paths
People go to college to set themselves up for a career. One of the best ways to narrow your career path is to list what you like doing. What are your favorite subjects? What do you enjoy spending time on? Figuring these things out can point you toward what majors and careers might be a good fit.
You also want to see what kinds of opportunities these larger schools have for the field you're interested in. Do they have good programs related to what you want to study? Are there chances for internships or research? These experiences can help open doors down the line.
Consider other factors such as location, admissions process, school size, application fees, tuition, and what kind of college campus atmosphere you prefer. Balancing all these things can lead you to great schools where you can spend the next few years.
Consider what you're good at and how much different jobs typically pay.
Give yourself plenty of time to go through these things. Combining the lists and your research will point you toward a few career possibilities to consider when applying to schools and choosing a major that can lead you to your dream job.
Long-Term Goals
Many people think you must go to college right after high school. However, this is not always the case. Others take a gap year and do some traveling before going to college.
Know what you hope to get from school before sending your college applications. If you're getting a bachelor's degree without any clear plan for after, you've got to ask yourself if it's worth spending all that time, money, and effort if it won't help you in the end.
Are you studying with a specific job in mind? What kind of work can you do with the degree you're choosing? Talk to someone from college admissions from the school at the top of your list to gain more insight.
Also, remember that sometimes there's more than one path to reach your goal. Some careers may be possible with a two-year program instead of a four-year degree.
Programs Offered
Different universities specialize in various fields of study. Check out the university programs to ensure they match your goals in your studies and future careers.
Selecting a university with strong programs in your area of interest can provide you with the resources and support needed to succeed.
Furthermore, the programs offered by a university can influence the networking opportunities available to you. Consider whether the university has strong connections with industry leaders, alumni networks, or research institutions relevant to your field of study.
These connections can provide valuable mentorship, internship opportunities, and job prospects upon graduation.
High School Résumé
Resumes are crucial for students navigating the college application process. Colleges prefer to see you when you apply because it tells them more about who you are and that you're more than just an excellently crafted essay.
You can include any part-time work or clubs and activities you're into so that the people in admissions can get to know you. Make sure to include essential things, like:
- When you graduate high school, your GPA and SAT or ACT scores
- Any community service you've done
- Awards you got for school
- Groups you're in and if you were a leader
- Letter of recommendation
Also, mention any unique skills or hobbies that would help in college or your future career. Talking about how you started clubs with friends, know multiple languages, or can code will impress the admissions officers.
Finally, use an executive functioning curriculum to develop the skills necessary to manage your college application process and to set you up for success in college. These programs can help you develop critical time management and organizational skills. They focus on strategies or interventions to enhance executive functioning skills. These skills include adapting to changing situations, regulating emotions, sustaining attention, initiating tasks, and planning.
The great thing about these programs is that they benefit you during your college search by helping you stay organized. But the skills you learn will help you well into college and beyond.
SAT/ACT Strategies
Numerous universities and colleges require applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores within a designated range. While you may get commendable scores on your initial attempt, it's common for students to sit for standardized tests multiple times.
Maximize your scores by employing effective strategies such as tackling familiar questions first and abstaining from answering if such questions carry no penalty. By entering the testing room equipped with the best test-taking tactics, you can avoid the need for additional attempts. With these, you can save both time and money.
Potential Schools
There are countless colleges and universities that could serve as your academic home in the future, but not all of them will be the perfect fit for you.
Begin by compiling a list of schools offering degrees that pique your interest or could be instrumental in launching your desired career path.
Narrowing down your preferred program options will simplify finding the right institution for you. However, remember that selecting a college entails more than just considering the name on your degree certificate.
Your school choice will significantly impact various aspects of your life, including academics, learning style, social interactions, and beyond.
You can reflect on this step by answering the following questions:
- What kind of college experience am I seeking?
- Do I want to enroll in a private school, a research university, or a public school in a rural area?
Extracurricular Opportunities
Remember to check out all the fun clubs and activities colleges have. They'll have sports teams, academic groups, volunteering, and hobby clubs.
Getting involved in some of these student organizations is a great way to meet people and feel more connected at the school.
You can also do things related to the activities you're into. When picking colleges, see if they have options that match what you're passionate about outside of class. Having those options makes the campus feel more like home.
Distance from Home
Every high school student should contemplate their comfort level with relocating, whether just a few hours away from family or across the country.
When considering college options, it's crucial to ask yourself: What distance is too far for me? How close do I prefer to stay to my hometown? Do you want to study out-of-state? Venturing away from home can aid in fostering independence.
Research suggests that college students who attend schools farther from home often acquire life skills more rapidly as they learn to rely on themselves rather than solely on their parents, guardians, or other loved ones.
Housing Preferences
One of the best tips for applying to college is to know your housing options. Determine whether you want a traditional dorm that comes with meal plans or a shared apartment off campus. If you want more independence, look at on-campus apartments or off-campus housing, especially if you have a car.
On the other hand, if you're comfortable with your independence now and want to save money, living at home and commuting to school could work for you.
What kind of housing you prefer is essential when choosing a college. Schools offer different living options with varying prices and transportation access both on-campus and nearby. This plays a significant role in narrowing down which colleges will be the best fit.
Be Wise in Picking a College
Finding the perfect college is a challenging task. But you can simplify things if you focus on what you're trying to get out of your time there.
Don't think the homework is just what they give you in class; you have to do some digging on your own, too. Make sure to do your research before your first class even starts.
Also, get familiar with how much it will cost so you know what you're signing up for with your applications. Read college application tips and keep yourself abreast of college entrance requirements.
The whole process takes work, but in the end, you'll feel good knowing you ended up at the school that's best for you. The more prepared you are to start, the more smoothly you'll get through school and to what's next.
