"Where are you going to school?"
"Have you decided on a school yet?"
"Which school are you leaning toward?"
As a high school senior, these questions will be thrown at you daily, and when you don't have an answer to them yet, they probably make you want to scream. Your senior year of high school is known to be one of the best and most memorable years of your life. However, in addition to prom, senior skip day, and being able to use "senioritis" as an excuse for not completing any of your homework, you have to make the ultimate decision of where to go to college. For many seniors, this is an extremely stressful time, but don't let it drive you too crazy.
1. Don't rush into anything.
Even though there are many, many high school seniors in the same boat as you are, you may feel like every single person in the world has decided on a college except for you. The constant questions make you feel pressured to make a decision on the spot. By all means, don't decide on anything until you have allowed yourself the time that you need to become educated on all the schools you've been accepted to.
2. Create an organized list of all your possible schools.
Organization is key in this process. Start by listing every school you get accepted to, and cross out the schools that you rule out over time.
3. Tour as many of the schools as physically possible.
Trust me, I know that college tours get real old, real fast. But Google images just doesn't show you everything you want to see on a college campus before you decide to go there. Visit the schools. Take tours, go to accepted students day events, and walk around different campuses with your family. Each college has a different environment, and it is important for you to see firsthand if you can envision yourself as part of that environment.
4. Remember that you are going to college to follow a certain career path.
Don't choose a major based on what college you go to. Choose a college based on what major you want to pursue.
5. If you are undecided on a major, choose a college that gives you plenty of options.
You are only a senior in high school. It is totally understandable if you don't know what you want to be when you grow up. Therefore, choose a college that offers tons of different majors. You can take classes in different areas and see what interests you. From there, you will be able to choose which major you want to take. You have time!
6. Check out options for extracurricular activities at each school.
If you love to dance, check and see which schools you are applying to have dance clubs. If you love to play a particular sport, see what team and intramural opportunities are available to you at different schools. If you have no desire to join a sorority or fraternity, then try to steer clear of schools where Greek life is seen as the end-all be-all. Choose a school that allows you to participate in the things that you love to do.
7. Get the inside scoop from current and past students.
There are many details that are left out of college brochures. Are you curious about what the nightlife is like at a certain school? Do you want to know if the dining hall food is really that great? It is highly recommended that you reach out to somebody who actually attends, or has attended, each school you are looking at. If you know somebody personally, bombard him/her with whatever questions you might have. If necessary, don't hesitate to send a Facebook message to somebody you don't know very well. People love to talk about their schools and will likely be very happy to answer your questions!
8. Be willing to step out of your comfort zone.
If you know wholeheartedly that going away to school is not for you, don't feel like you have to. Lots of people commute to their schools and have wonderful experiences. You can still get involved on your campus, make tons of new friends, and fall in love with your school, even if you don't wind up living there. Plus, you'll be able to go home to your mom's cooking each night -- those of us stuck eating in the dining hall will be extremely jealous of that!
10. Do not make a choice based on where your significant other or friends are going.
This is your life, and your life only. Do what is best for you. If one of your best friends happens to choose the same school, then that's awesome. But try to forget about other people's college decisions when you are making yours. Long-distance relationships and friendships will work if they are meant to.
11. Remember that your decision doesn't have to be permanent.
If you don't wind up loving the school you've chosen, transferring is always an option, and it's more common to transfer than you'd think. You should absolutely try whatever you can to find a home at the school you go to. However, just realize that if you don't feel that it's the right place for you after giving it a chance, you can try going somewhere else. In the end, you will end up where you belong.
