Stumped about where to attend college? Many students go right into choosing a school before taking all the facets involved into consideration. College is not simply where you're taking classes and studying—it's where you are going to eat, live, and make friends—and, most importantly, it is the place you will call home for several years.
This is why it's important to look at every aspect of the college—not just academics—before making your final decision. Here are some questions you should ask yourself before choosing the college that is right for you.
In state or out of state?
Some students prefer to stay close to home, while others prefer to branch out and experience life truly on their own. Staying in state could mean cheaper tuition, a shorter drive home, and a more familiar student body. However, choosing an out-of-state college might give you better scholarships and a chance to reinvent yourself and make new friends. Both are excellent choices, and it all boils down to preference.
Related: Benefits of In-State vs. Out-of-State Colleges: What's Best for You?
City or college town?
A quaint college town can make even a large school feel cozier, and a big city can make a small college feel livelier. It all depends on the type of atmosphere you prefer. A college town is said to provide the quintessential college experience, with up to 90% of the population consisting of college students. However, going to college in the middle of a city will never leave you bored, as there is always something to do—not to mention the nightlife is always thriving.
Small or large student body?
Again, there are pros and cons of attending small and large colleges. Think about the high school you currently attend. If it is a small high school, do you enjoy the closeness that you feel with the rest of your classmates, or do you dislike seeing the same faces every day? If the high school you attend is larger, do you like never having the same class twice with the same people, or do you crave a more intimate student body?
North, South, East, or West?
Whether you're going out of state or staying in state, the location of your college matters. Keeping things like weather, proximity to beaches, and regional culture in mind, the four corners of the United States are very different. You might be addicted to sweet tea and sunshine, in which case the South might be the way to go. However, if you prefer seeing snow on the ground in the wintertime, the North might be more suitable.
Modern or old school?
Newer colleges may pop up as you search, but some have been standing since the 1700s. If you’re going into a career in technology, a modern school with shiny new machines and high ceilings might be right for you. History buffs might prefer an older school with the knowledge that every building on campus has a story.
Studious or outgoing atmosphere?
There is nothing wrong with wanting to party—although I urge everyone to manage their time wisely! On the other hand, the atmosphere you crave might be different. If you are a little quieter and prefer more of a private dorm life, there are definitely colleges that are more work than play. However, a social atmosphere might be more desirable if you favor studying in a group instead of alone. And of course, there are colleges that thrive off “work hard, play hard” motto.
Related: Check out this list of Colleges With Meditative Spaces
Private or public?
There are perks to attending both public and private colleges. For one, the tuition cost of a public college is discernibly cheaper. However, private colleges are often much more generous with scholarship money. The food is also said to be much better at private colleges.
Liberal arts or STEM?
This again ties into what atmosphere you like and what areas of study you are considering going into. Being around people with similar interests is important in order to build connections that will be useful to you later in life. English and History majors might prefer more close-knit liberal arts colleges in contrast to STEM majors, who may favor schools that focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.
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Once you have asked yourselves these questions, a picture of what college is right for you will probably become much clearer. And of course, it is important to keep in mind that these questions are not always either-or. There are plenty of colleges that can give you the best of both worlds when it comes to atmosphere, location, and size. But armed with a better idea of your likes and dislikes, it will be easier to narrow down your list of colleges. Happy searching!
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