Choosing a college is the biggest decision of your young life. When searching, it can feel like the end of the world. High school makes you feel like you need your whole life figured out by the time you’re 18. Luckily for you, this isn’t the case. Most college juniors are still figuring it out. Worry about the present day one step at a time.
I applied to ten colleges before figuring out what I truly wanted. I thought for sure I would be going to New York City. I wanted a glamorous school that sounded great.
1. Don’t choose a school because of its name. The name doesn’t matter. All colleges have something different to offer.
When I visited the schools in the city, I couldn’t picture myself there. I was overwhelmed with the people, and how it wasn’t a college campus. It was buildings in the middle of the concrete jungle. This is something I didn’t think I could get used to. The truth was that I wasn’t ready to live in the city.
2. The location is a big part of the college you choose. If it doesn’t feel right, it won’t be. Don’t force it.
Now, I love the location of Rutgers. It’s far enough away where it’s a completely different environment, but close enough to home where I can drive back any weekend I choose. It’s also only a 40 minute train ride to the city, so I still have the opportunity to go there anytime I want. The best part: I have a campus to come home too.
When I had applied to Rutgers, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to go here. I had an image in my head of what I thought it was. I was wrong! Rutgers wasn’t anything I imagined. I had no idea about the four different campuses and their different personalities, until I took a tour. Rutgers has something to offer to everyone.
3. Don’t shut out a school before you visit it. You will be surprised when you get to see it for yourself.
The most important part of choosing a college is to picture yourself there. You have to be able to see yourself walking around campus, living there, and being happy. At the end of the day, this will be your new home and you want to be comfortable with it. Your opinion matters most — don’t let anyone sway your decision. It’s all you.
People I knew were surprised that this was the school I chose, because they didn’t think I would like it. I come from a small town that had a graduating class of 260. Now, I am enrolled in a large school that educates over 30,000. Yes — this was a shock initially, but it didn’t mean that I wouldn’t be happy. It’s a change. I felt invisible at first, but the atmosphere is what you make it. The more you put yourself out there and get involved, the more you will be noticed.
In regards to making friends at college, quality is better than quantity. Don't worry about how many friends you will have, because less is more. The quality of the relationship is most important. You will find out that everyone you meet isn’t going to stick around. Everyone is here for him or herself, but it is important to have a select few you can trust in making the transition easier.
Rutgers, for me, was the perfect fit. It made sense, and now I couldn’t imagine myself anywhere else. There’s not only a surplus of opportunity, but I am happy. Your own happiness is all that matters.
College creates independence. It is a time to discover who you are and what you truly want out of life. It helps you find your purpose. Your priorities will change, I promise. Just trust your gut and follow your instincts. Everything always works out and happens for a reason. It isn't an easy decision, but it is possible and worth it in the end.
