Exactly a year ago today from when I am writing this, I announced my decision to attend Ohio University for my college education. This choice came after hours upon hours of research, touring, and lots of thinking. But now, even just after completing my first semester in college, I am confident to say that I have made the right choice. As we roll into the second half of the academic year, many high school seniors (or even you!) will be making their college decisions. Here is how you can make a more educated choice on the college you attend.
School Pride
First things first, if you are choosing this school you better take pride in going there. School pride is not just limited to being faithful and supportive of your sports teams. Honestly, not all schools have good athletic programs! But, when you decide on the college you attend, you should be able to confidently say "Hi I'm *insert your name here* and I am attending *insert your lovely university here*!" You should want to own large quantities of spirit wear and wear said spirit wear a lot. This is the place where you are choosing the spend the next four years of your life, be proud of that!
Distance
I know one of my biggest things initially when I was on the college search was that I wanted to go to a school out of state. But that did not happen and I am so happy I chose to stay in state. Make sure when choosing distance you know what is right for you. It may seem like the coolest thing to be able to live in another part of the country, I thought so too. But honestly sometimes being even an hour and a half away from home can be hard for me. When making a huge decision such as this, be honest with yourself make sure that moving out of state will be worth it.
Sports
Do not choose to go to a small school just so you can continue playing a sport. Choose a school that you want to go to and one that will be beneficial to your major and the rest of your career. Yes I understand it may be cool to be a college athlete, but attending some small college that no one has ever heard of probably won't turn out being the greatest experience. I have heard of many people who end up transferring because it is not worth it. Plus, if you want to continue playing you can always join a club team! Make sure before you sign onto your team that going to that small school is really what is right for you.
Significant Others
It may seem highly appealing to pick the same school your significant other is or will be attending, but stray away from it. Like I said before, choose a school that you want to go to and one that will benefit your major and career. Choosing a school just because your significant other is going there is no good reason to attend said school. Odds are you might not end up together in the long run. Find that spark of independence inside of you, go where you want, and if it's meant to be it will be!
It's Okay To Not Pick Your Top Choice
Yes, I said it! It is perfectly okay to end up not picking your top choice. Whether you were denied, wait-listed, whatever, you eventually have to pick another school. But don't fret! It happens to many of us and it happened to me. I believe that everything happens for a reason and everything happens the way it is supposed to. For me it took some realistic thought but in the end, I know I made the right choice. What was my second choice is now my new home that I absolutely love. You can choose to go another school for a year or so, then transfer to your top, or just simply another school you pick to stay at but just remember, it is okay.
If you are soon to make your college decision or are still on your search, I wish you good luck!
