The emails and letters in the mail from universities are piling up, your high school guidance counselor won't leave you alone, and your parents won't stop asking questions...welcome to the thick of the college search! In the face of such a big decision, it's easy to feel stressed and overwhelmed, but here are a few things to remember while college shopping!
1. Don't let your friends and family influence you too much.
Although it may be difficult to be the only member of you friend group interested in an out of state school and breaking it to your dad that you don't want to attend his alma mater might be tough, YOU are the one attending the school. You need to put yourself first and prioritize your wants and interests.
2. Get your feet on the campuses.
College websites, information packets, and secondhand stories are great, but nothing beats experiencing a college for yourself and truly getting the feel. Whether it's a scheduled visit through admissions, meeting up with a friend that goes there, or even just walking around the campus, it's important to expose yourself to all of your options!
3. Ask questions.
There are SO many schools out there, each with varying sizes, location, specialties, academic programs, and opportunities. You deserve to be picky! Ask about the things that interest you! Between tour guides, admissions counselors, and even just enthusiastic students, there are many people who are willing and able to tell you about anything you'd like to know.
4. It'll just "feel right."
Sometimes, we just think too far into things.We make things difficult when they don't need to be. When walking around the campus, could you see yourself attending here? Did it feel like it could become a home? Did it make you feel happy and excited? These are all questions to ask yourself and sometimes it simply comes down to the college just feeling right. It's cheesy, but it's true.
5. You will bloom where you're planted.
This is such a mom thing to say, but that doesn't mean it's not true. We are adaptable, static people who are able to rise to the occasion. Whether it's five miles away from home or 500 miles, you will get out of any college experience what you put into it. Remember this in picking a college. There is no "magic fit" college to ensure the perfect four-year experience and searching with that idea in mind is unrealistic and stressful. You can make the most out of anywhere and once you realize that, everything will fall into place.
6. And if you change your mind after you decide, transferring is always an option.
You don't consider yourself "a quitter" when you exchange a shirt you previously bought for a size that fits better, right? It's the same idea when it comes to transferring college. Ultimately, if it comes to be a semester in and you realize you just don't like it, you can transfer to somewhere that will fit you better. This is not a life or death decision with permanent consequences. Don't put too much pressure on yourself.
