As a high school senior it can be super tricky to pick the college that you want to go to. You are still growing up so how can you make such a big decision? Here are some tips that can help you decide. I was once in the same spot as you and these tips really helped me pick the right school for me.
1. Is it in the right area?
For me, I wanted to go to school someplace warm because I hate cold weather. I also personally don't like big cities but don't want to be in the middle of nowhere. Tuscaloosa was the perfect spot for me because it's warm enough where I won't freeze, but you can still tell what season it is. It also is a small city, but not too small and not too big like New York. Remember that when picking a college you are picking a place to move to. Look at the community you would be living in, the weather and the people. All of it has an impact on your college experience.
2. Does it have everything you want?
Make a list of activities you would be interested in doing at college. It doesn't have to be things you did in high school, but something you know you would have fun doing with people. That way you have at least one thing you know you can get involved in on campus. For me, I knew I wanted to join a sorority and I also swam all my life and didn't want to give that up. When looking at schools I look at their Greek life and made sure they had a club swim team. Alabama has both. Make sure you will have ways to get involved and meet new people. You don't want to be that person that just hangs out in their dorm all day.
3. You don't have to know your major
A lot of people go into college not knowing what they want to major in or end up changing their major 10 times. Knowing you're major isn't a necessity when it comes to picking a school, but an idea helps. See what interests you and just make sure your school as it. When I applied to schools I was looking for schools with social work, psychology, and business majors. It was until the end of my senior year that I knew social work was my top choice. One of the reasons I chose Alabama was because of their social work program. However, I know that if I were to ever change my major to psychology or business I would be safe here. No one wants to transfer halfway through college.
4. Don't let other people make the decision for you
When picking the right college for you don't let someone else make the decision. When deciding where to go don't let your parents, your friends or even your boyfriend/girlfriend influence your decision. It's important to go somewhere where you know you'll be happy. When I was picking a college, I was lucky enough to have parents that let me make the decision on my own. However, I had a high school boyfriend at the time that I didn't want to leave behind. I didn't know if I could be that far away from my parents. I was unsure if I could go to a school where I didn't have a friend yet. Though when I stepped onto the Alabama campus I knew in my heart this is where I belong.
5. Make sure you visit the campus before you decide
The internet isn't always right. You may be in love with a school looking at it online but hate it once you get there. I know that for me I wasn't really sure about where I wanted to go until I toured both my top choices back to back. Seeing the school makes you understand what it would be like to go there. The feeling you get from being on campus. Wondering how you would fit in. When I went and visited Alabama I had this warm feeling inside that I didn't get at JMU. By visiting I knew that Alabama was the right place for me and it was where I wanted to be. I'm truly content with my decision to come here and I'm enjoying every moment of it. I hope that with whatever college you choose you to feel the same way.
I hope these tips have helped you narrow down your list of schools. Don't stress and just trust the process. The right school for you is out there somewhere.
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