It's around that time of the year where seniors in high school are starting to apply to colleges. It was about exactly two years ago when I was in that position, deciding where I wanted to spend the next four years of my life. Did I want to stay close to home, or go far away? State school or private? Small or large? In-state or out-of-state? There are so many choices you have to make for yourself. Here's some things to help you along the way.
Forget everything you thought you wanted. I say this because my entire high school career, I expected to attend the University of Washington Seattle. I was so set on it that I didn't really get a chance to explore other schools. If you are only set on one school, how do you really know it's the best one? You don't. So explore and allow yourself to have choices. I did, and now I'm at a school that I never expected to be at, and I absolutely love it.
Look at what the school has to offer. Not just the class sizes, or the food options-- look further than that. What are the surroundings of the school like? Do you like the city, or do you prefer a quieter town? Also, of course, check out the clubs and activities around campus.
Think about how much independence you want. You can stay an hour away from home so that you can visit every weekend, or go states away and see your family every couple of months. We all get homesick, but keep your needs in mind and go from there.
Find out what the regular student-life is like. There's always a way to find this out. Some schools even have phone lines, surveys, or articles dedicated to this. Make sure to read different points of view to get a good grasp on what your life could potentially be like. If you get a chance to speak to students, ask what they like about the school but also ask what they don't like.
Have fun in the process. It can be a very stressful process, I know. But, have fun with it! Explore schools and cities and small towns that you have never even heard of. Remember to keep an open mind, and that you are making choices for you and your future. Don't let anyone else dictate your decisions.
