To the Senior Deciding Where to Go for College
Start writing a post
Student Life

To the Senior Deciding Where to Go for College

Take a deep breath and know you're going to grow no matter where you go.

9
To the Senior Deciding Where to Go for College
the odyessy online

Dear Senior,

Well. It’s time to make the big choice: Where to go for college?

Whether you’re choosing between 17 schools or just 2, the decision of where to go for college can be a rough one, and an emotional one. First, take a deep breath and know that wherever you decide to go, you’re going to grow so much as a person. Here are some questions/criteria to help you finally pick a school, or at least narrow it down:

1) Which school(s) have the best degree program for what you want to major in? At the end of the day, getting your degree is why you go to college. The reputation the college has for that degree program can hold a lot of weight when it comes to securing a job in that field. If you’re undecided on what you will major in, it may be best to pick a school that has a wide variety of degree programs or a liberal arts program so that when you do decide, you’ll have a starting point towards earning your degree.

2) Which school(s) offer the most scholarships? College is expensive, so the more scholarships you get, the less debt you’ll have and the happier your future self will be.

3) Which school(s) have the best dorms? If you’ll be living on campus, you want to make sure you’ll be as comfortable as you can be within the context of stereotypical dorm life.

4) Which school(s) have the best atmosphere? If you haven’t done so already or have the opportunity, VISIT the college to get a feel for what it’s like. Talk to some students if possible, they’re going to be more honest than brochures about what going there is really like. Do some research on the type of atmosphere the college has, look at online forums, etc. Social media stalk the college basically.

5) How close it the college to home? Not everyone can go to college out of state and not be miserably homesick. Being homesick affects you, probably more than you’d anticipate. Staying closer to home is also cheaper.

6) What student organizations and groups does the campus have? Are you interested in Greek life? Like sports? What you do in your down time has a large effect on your personal morale. You don’t want to stay stuck in your dorm room every Friday night because there’s nothing to do that interests you.

For example, I’m a fine arts major and not really into sports, so going to a university that's primarily focused on the arts is a much better fit for me than a football-oriented state school would be.

7) What type of class sizes/professor to student ratio does the school(s) typically have? Consider how you learn best. Do you do better in small groups where you can discuss concepts and really get to know your peers? Or do you prefer to be in a large class so you can blend into the crowd, minimize distractions, and focus solely on the lecture? Paying for classes means that you definitely want to minimize the possibility of having to retake a course, so that you don’t have to spend extra money, time, and effort on a class again.

College is a big decision. No matter where you decide to go, college will change you and test you in ways you’ve never been tested before. Although it can seem a bit terrifying, college is a brand new opportunity for you to grow and reinvent yourself. I hope this helps.

From, Someone Who's Been There

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

932182
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

107802
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lots of people sat on the cinema wearing 3D glasses
Pinterest

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

Keep Reading...Show less
New Year Resolutions

It's 2024! You drank champagne, you wore funny glasses, and you watched the ball drop as you sang the night away with your best friends and family. What comes next you may ask? Sadly you will have to return to the real world full of work and school and paying bills. "Ah! But I have my New Year's Resolutions!"- you may say. But most of them are 100% complete cliches that you won't hold on to. Here is a list of those things you hear all around the world.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Ultimate Birthday: Unveiling the Perfect Day to Celebrate!

Let's be real, the day your birthday falls on could really make or break it.

50340
​different color birthday candles on a cake
Blacksburg Children's Museum

You heard it here first: birthdays in college are some of the best days of your four years. For one day annually, you get to forget about your identity as a stressed, broke, and overworked student, and take the time to celebrate. You can throw your responsibilities for a day, use your one skip in that class you hate, receive kind cards and gifts from loved ones and just enjoy yourself.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments