I remember being a senior in high school with high hopes for college. So high, in fact, that I actually stressed myself out trying to find a school that would meet my expectations. I know choosing a school can be scary, but here are a list of questions and answers that may help.
Can I get in?
The ultimate question every high school senior has when starting the daunting process of applying to colleges is, will I get in? The honest is answer is, there is no way to know. The college admissions process is something I don’t even think colleges understand. You could have a 4.0 GPA, write a bomb essay, and have an outstanding resume and still not get in. It happens, but that should never be the reason you do not apply. When you ask yourself your question ask yourself this too, would I always wonder, what if, if I do not apply to this school. If this is the answer yes, which it usually is, just give it a shot! Worst case scenario, you don’t get in. I know that can sound really scary, but it just means that’s not where you are meant to be.
Is this school too hard for me?
The answer is no. No school is “too hard." ”There is no such thing. No matter where you go, college is going to be hard, and it is going to be harder than high school. Whoever says it isn’t is lying to you. The thing is, even though it is harder, it is also far more rewarding. You get to pick classes that you actual WANT to go to and you get to work towards your future career. So, do not use “too hard” or “not smart enough” to not go to a certain college. It is not too hard. You are smart enough. Period.
Is this school “fun” enough?
I can vividly remember listening to my high school chemistry teacher drone on about a formula that I, frankly, didn’t care about, thinking only about the months to come in college. I would imagine wild parties, long tailgates, and insane bars. I had survived eighteen years of boring, smalltown life and I was ready for something new. I would look at pictures of colleges trying to find the ones with the biggest tailgates, most fraternity houses, and most bars. What I didn’t know was that none of that matters? Every college is fun, it is college. Every college has fraternity parties, concerts, and events. No matter where you go you will find something that fits your definition of fun. Whether its football games, clubs, art walks, fancy dinners, symphonies, etc. Your college will have it. College really is a lot of work, but it is also really fun, no matter where you go.
Will I regret going here?
To keep with the theme of honesty, you might. You might spend a semester at one school and realize it wasn’t the fit you hoped for, but it is not the end of the world. According to Inside Higher Ed, more than a third of college students transfer each year. Transferring is much easier than it might seem and totally normal. That being said, the reality is that you most likely will not regret your decision. You will go to your first lecture and have an amazing professor, or meet the funniest girl in your biology class and become best friends, or experience your first basketball game and realize that you are exactly where you are suppose to be. It may not happen the first day, it might not even happen the first semester, but it does happen. You’re parents are not lying to you when they say you will have a moment where you know you made the right choice.
Do I want to go far from home?
Do you? I can not answer that question for you, but there are ways to help figure out if going far is for you! Talking to someone you know who decided to hop on a plane and jet set away for college is always a good first step. You can also ask your parents if that is something they see you doing. Your family knows you better than you know yourself sometimes and can provide some helpful insight. You can even make a pros and cons list of going far from home to help make the decision a little easier.
Can I afford it?
Finding a way to pay for college is something almost everyone struggles with. The good news is that there are many ways you can get scholarships. Most schools have their own scholarship system based on merit, athletics, etc. Also, high schools, generally, will give out scholarships, so talk to your counselor about ways you can apply. Additionally, the internet has millions of websites that can link you to legit scholarships that you can apply for.
Do I want a big school or a small school?
This is always a tough question that most students will struggle with. The best way to address this question is to participate in campus tours! You can go to big, small, or medium schools and see which one feels like a better fit for you. You may find that a fifteen minute walk from class to your dorm is just too much. Or, you may decide that a big campus excites you and makes you excited about living there. You won’t know till you go, so go!
What is “the feeling”?
Since I was a freshman in high school, I can remember upperclassman talking about their college visits and how they got a “feeling” when they were at the right school. They would talk about their colleges with a twinkle in their eye saying things like, “You just..know. It is magical!” So, four years later when I stumbled around colleges, barely knowing left from right, I would search earnestly for “the feeling”. However, it never came. I was so distraught. Then I realized that some people may feel an amazing emotional connection to their college, but I just wasn’t that person. So, I based my decision on other things and decided on a school that I still love to this day. After I made my decision, I started to have “the feeling” because I officially had a place I would call home for four years. So, don’t get freaked out if you don’t fall in love with a school when you first tour. Some things take time.
Will I fit in here?
Only you can be the judge of that. You have to look around and decide if you can see yourself living there for four years. Picture yourself going to class, meeting friends, getting lunch, all of those things. If you can clearly see yourself there, than it might be the right fit. The other reality is that colleges have all types of people and you are bound to find “your people” no matter where you go.
As scary as picking a college can seem it is actually NOT that big of a deal. I am sure your counselor and parents may disagree, but I am telling you it isn’t. No matter where you go there is a pretty big chance that you are going to be insanely happy, and in the off chance that you're not, you have options! So, enjoy your senior year, relax, and go with your gut. It led me in the right direction.
