College is something many people dream about their whole lives. If it’s not the freedom to do whatever you want, whenever you want that sounds appealing, it’s the distance that finally separates a helicopter mom from her annoyed child. When it ultimately time to start thinking about what you want to do with your life, you forget that finding a college that fits your own specific needs is quite a challenge. Here are a few things to consider before selecting your home for the next four years of your life:
1. Do you want to be in a city or suburb?
Although there are many perks to both locations, you will indeed have to pick one or the other. A city may have more activities and events to participate in outside of the campus. It also might have a greater opportunity to find a job upon graduating. On the other hand, a school in the suburbs has more of a hometown college feel.
2. Do you want to go to a big or small school?
Attending a giant university has its perks: more sports teams to support, potentially more friends to make, and a greater chance of the school having a class or subject that interests you. Otherwise, if you join the tight nit community of a smaller school, you have a closer relationship with your classmates and professors.
3. Do you want to attend a liberal arts institution?
Some people find that going to a liberal arts school makes them a better-rounded person because they make you take different classes across the board. Others think that jumping right into your major will help speed up the process to become a professional in your field.
4. Do you mind living in cold weather for four years?
While some people come from the mountains of Alaska and are used to blizzards and snowstorms, others, like me, are not. Growing up in Florida and then moving to a northeastern state is a giant change that some people overlook.
Whether you’re a second semester senior or a freshman just entering high school, these are the types of things you have to start thinking about when college is quickly approaching. Always remember to take a deep breath and remember to have fun and make so many incredible memories during this time in your life, because it is only going to happen once and goes by in an instant.
