Deciding which college to attend can feel like one of the biggest decisions of your life. Whether you’ve just graduated high school or are going back to school, this decision is a crucial turning point. There are many different things to consider as you navigate what each school has to offer.
Are you wanting to attend a school that shares your beliefs? Do you want to stay close to home and your family or are you willing to travel for your education? Are you looking for a bigger university or a smaller, more close-knit community? With seemingly hundreds of options, how are you supposed to choose which school to attend?
Here are five things to consider before choosing a college to attend.
Weigh the cost.
While attending college is a great life experience, it can cost a lot of money to attend school. Before you choose where to attend, it is important to compare the costs of each school on your list.
Although every student’s financial situation is unique, all students should ask themselves the same questions. Are your parents helping you financially or are you putting yourself through school? With this in mind, how much can you afford to pay before taking out loans? Will the universities on your list require you to take out loans or do they offer plenty of opportunities for financial aid? These questions are just the beginning of a successful evaluation process.
Consider the location.
There are thousands of degree-granting institutions across the United States alone. There are even more schools located internationally that offer competitive programs. When moving away from home for the first time, college applicants should take into consideration which location would best suit their needs.
Take some time to research the climate and the culture of the location as well as the distance of the school from your family. While leaving home is a great learning opportunity, students can become homesick if their college town is not the correct fit for them.
Research the programs
Before you can even begin to consider a university, you must see if they offer degrees and programs that interest you. You don’t have to decide on your degree right after high school, but it is best to choose a school that lines up with your interests. Every school’s degree programs are unique so it is essential to compare them first.
Think about what you would like to get out of your studies. Would you like the opportunity to have an internship before graduation? Would you want your degree program to have elective hours so your experience is more well-rounded and you can try different courses? Look into all of your options to find a program that best serves your education needs and your calling.
Examine the campus life.
Many students want to live on campus but don’t consider what it’s like to live on campus and be away from home every day. It’s important for students to prioritize finding a community that will be a good fit for them.
Every college offers different community experiences for students. Some universities are known for their social organizations on campus while others are known for their extracurricular sports. The best way to get an idea of what life on campus looks like is to schedule a tour of the campus. This will give you a close-up view of what life on campus looks like, and will help you know what to expect before you make a decision.
Seek God’s will.
The process of choosing a college path isn’t over once you’ve done your research. Before making a final decision, every student should seek the heart of God and ask Him what His will is for their life.
When seeking the Lord’s will, consider fasting as you wait to hear His voice. Ask a mentor or your church to pray with you as you consider your next step in life. Pray with your parents since they are involved in your decision process and can help you seek the Lord and His will.
The college decision process does not have to be stressful. By asking questions and doing your research at the beginning of your college journey, you can feel confident when applying to school.