Choosing the right college is a big decision and where you end up going touches on various aspects of your life, it makes sense that you should make this decision carefully while looking over your options. To help you navigate this decision, here are 10 steps to help you choose the right college.
1- Develop your short list.
Before your top picks, you should really consider writing down the main factors that make up what your ideal college experience should look like, think about location, enrollment size, majors and programs, the people on campus, opportunities outside the classroom, cost and selectivity.
2 - Rank your priorities.
Make your own rankings and jot down all the pros and cons of a particular school. Don't be afraid to delve deep, a lot of consideration should go into where you'll spend the next four years or so of your life.
3 - Don't procrastinate.
Deadlines may vary depending on the school but always be on top of those key dates and deadlines. Experts recommend starting the application process by the start of your senior year in high school. On top of that, make time for asking for letters of recommendation, writing essays, standardized tests, college visits, etc.
4 -Go back to schools.
Once you're done with applications, it's time to think hard about where you want to go. Consider taking another visit to your desired college and make a couple of detailed questions so you don't leave without any doubts. Taking a campus tour can be expensive but you can still have all your inquiries answered through a virtual tour and reaching out to college officials.
5 - Focus on your endgame.
Where do you see yourself in four years? Consider what job you’d like to have and what your financial situation looks like, and pick a school that will be the best to help you reach your goals.
6 - Delve into departments.
College rankings can play a role in your decision process, but don't rule out the prestige that comes with specific departments of certain schools. Is one school well known for your major? Are faculty actively engaged at school and in the field?
7 - Investigate job connections.
A big reason most people go to college is to set themselves up for a job in the future, so take into consideration each school’s career center.
8 - Compare financial aid awards.
If you're looking to graduate from college with little or no debt, compare financial aid packages carefully.
9 - Compromise.
The whole process of getting into college can make your mom and dad go a bit crazy at times, but it is encouraged that families look at this as an opportunity to grow and learn together, making the time to lift one another up and encourage each other. Don't worry about the things you can't control (what happens inside college admissions offices hundreds of miles away).
10 - Move on from rejection.
Being rejected from one of your top school choices is tough, but try not to dwell on it too much. Think about the other choices you still have to make and trust that whatever happens, it's what's meant for you and it's also what's best for you!
Source: https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/slideshows/10-steps-to-picking-the-right-school