It's a great feeling after sending in those college applications after months you spent perfecting that essay, and years of sculpting a good profile of yourself. You can now change your name back to your actual name on Facebook and relax. That is until you have to decide where to spend the next four years (or more) of your life. Here’s a list of things I actually put into consideration myself when trying to pick the right college for me:
1. DO visit the campus before committing.
A lot of people overlook this tip because they feel it’s the last thing to worry about. But, unlike high school, this is a place that you are literally going to spend the next four years (or more) of your life -- even if you are commuting. The surroundings of your campus make a really big difference in your physical and mental health. From personal experience, my mind was set on going to UC Santa Cruz because of the program I got into, but after visiting the campus, I felt like it wasn’t the school for me because … well let’s just say I’m not a nature person. Don’t commit to a university without seeing it for yourself. Your happiness matters more than the amazing program or scholarship you got.
2. DO think about what kind of program you like the best.
The program the college offers is also very important. After all, you might as well get a degree from an institution with a program that really engaged you in the subject. There are many kinds of programs that either involve research or a more hands-on approach -- sometimes even both. The best thing you can do to find out about these programs are to talk to people in them, or email an admin from the university asking for more information on a program. Looking online on the programs that you are interested also gives you a view on the kind of programs different colleges offer.
3. DO consider all the options you have.
You have to have other options, especially if you are waitlisted in a college you really looked forward to attending. It really isn’t the end of the world if you don’t get into the college of your dreams -- that’s just how life works. There really is no point sulking over a college that did not accept you, trust me. Rejection is just a part of life, despite how hard you worked. The best thing to do is to consider other options. You could pick your second-choice university, which some people actually end up liking more. There’s also the option to take a gap year and re-apply, or go to community college and transfer after two years of finishing your GE requirements.
4. DON'T go to a college just because of reputation.
Especially from where I’m from, everyone seems to think that the best college to go to is the one with the lowest acceptance rate and the branded name of the university. Let me tell you right now: THIS IS NOT ALWAYS THE CASE! Getting into a good university is always something worth celebrating, especially after all the hard work that was put in, but that does not mean you can just relax after that. Getting into a good college means that the college sees potential in you, but you have to put work even harder to keep that title. You may have stood out in high school, but in college, sometimes it’s better to be a big fish in a little pond than a small fish in a big pond. Likewise, going to a community college or a lower-ranked university does not make you stupid or that you’re making a mistake. There’s nothing wrong with saving money on education, or waiting to transfer into a better university while getting your GE’s done. Just don’t think about what anyone thinks because honestly, after high school, no one could care less where you choose to go to college.
5. DON’T go to a college solely because your friends are going there too.
Go to a college that you are interested in. Don’t commit to a place that you will be in for four years to continue those memories with your friends and others from high school. Things could change and you will have to live in that regret of not choosing that college you really wanted to attend. In some cases, going to the same college because your friends are going as well could restrict you from learning to branch out and meet new people outside of your high school friend group.
