13 answers
ashley
Student
Somerton, Arizona
1
Question
Asked
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How do i find a college or university that is best for me?
#college #university #college-advice #college-admissions
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13 answers
Charles Stein
External Affairs Director
10
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Charles’s Answer
Hi Ashley, this is such a good question. I'll offer 3 points to start off:
1) think about where you want to be in the country (or the world) when you're in college. Do you want to go mainly online or to a campus? What type of weather do you like?
2) go to this website to check out colleges in cities you'd like to live in: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/college-search
3) visit the websites of the colleges and look at the department pages that interest you such as communications, engineering or business
Whatever stands out to you when you're online, write it down...it helps to see yourself thriving at a place that cares about what your passions are. You can grow into an educated professional in the environment that suits you. Bonus points if you reach out to employees at the department websites to speak to a professor or academic advisor :)
1) think about where you want to be in the country (or the world) when you're in college. Do you want to go mainly online or to a campus? What type of weather do you like?
2) go to this website to check out colleges in cities you'd like to live in: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/college-search
3) visit the websites of the colleges and look at the department pages that interest you such as communications, engineering or business
Whatever stands out to you when you're online, write it down...it helps to see yourself thriving at a place that cares about what your passions are. You can grow into an educated professional in the environment that suits you. Bonus points if you reach out to employees at the department websites to speak to a professor or academic advisor :)
Carissa Lambert
Advisory Senior Associate
1
Answer
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Carissa’s Answer
Hi Ashley,
It can definitely be hard to figure out what is best for you. I found this site to be useful:
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/college-search
It allows you to search for schools based on various criteria you think you may want like location, size, available majors, etc. Once you get a list based on your criteria, you can start doing more research on that school. It definitely helps to go on tours so that you can actually see the campus and meet some people there.
Just keep an open mind as you search.
It can definitely be hard to figure out what is best for you. I found this site to be useful:
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/college-search
It allows you to search for schools based on various criteria you think you may want like location, size, available majors, etc. Once you get a list based on your criteria, you can start doing more research on that school. It definitely helps to go on tours so that you can actually see the campus and meet some people there.
Just keep an open mind as you search.
Jaquan Outlaw
Data Scientist
27
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Jaquan’s Answer
Great question as there is so many out there and a lot of research is needed. For me I went with my gut feeling and not where everyone wanted me to go which was an HBCU or IVY league. Finding the right college or university is a personal journey and depends on various factors that are unique to you. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you in your search:
1. Identify Your Interests and Goals
Think about what you want to achieve in your education and career. What are your interests? What major or field of study are you considering? Your career aspirations can guide your choice of schools that offer strong programs in your area of interest.
2. Consider the Type of Institution
Do you prefer a large university with a diverse student body and a wide range of programs, or a smaller college where you might get more personal attention? Would you prefer a public institution or a private one? Understanding these preferences can narrow down your options.
3. Location Matters
Consider whether you want to study close to home or are open to going further afield, even studying abroad. Think about the type of environment you thrive in - city, suburban, or rural. Location can impact your lifestyle, cost of living, and overall college experience.
4. Check the Admission Requirements
Ensure you meet the admission requirements of the colleges you're considering. Look at their acceptance rates, required standardized test scores, GPA requirements, and any other prerequisites for admission.
5. Evaluate Costs
Consider tuition fees, living expenses, and availability of financial aid. Don’t rule out more expensive schools immediately, as they might offer financial aid packages that could make them affordable.
6. Explore Campus Life
Look at extracurricular activities, housing options, student organizations, and campus facilities. This can greatly impact your college experience.
7. Look at Post-Graduation Outcomes
Check graduation rates, job placement rates, and average starting salaries of graduates. This information can give you an idea of a school's reputation and the value of its degrees in the job market.
8. Visit (if possible)
Visiting campuses can give you a feel for the community, culture, and overall vibe, helping you decide if it's a place where you could be happy and successful.
9. Seek Advice
Speak with current students or alumni, if possible. They can provide first-hand insights about the school. High school counselors, teachers, and family members can also be valuable resources during this process.
10. Apply
Finally, apply to multiple schools that fit your criteria to increase your chances of acceptance and to give yourself several options to choose from.
Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to choosing a college or university. It's about finding the best fit for you and your goals. Take your time, do your research, and trust your instincts.
1. Identify Your Interests and Goals
Think about what you want to achieve in your education and career. What are your interests? What major or field of study are you considering? Your career aspirations can guide your choice of schools that offer strong programs in your area of interest.
2. Consider the Type of Institution
Do you prefer a large university with a diverse student body and a wide range of programs, or a smaller college where you might get more personal attention? Would you prefer a public institution or a private one? Understanding these preferences can narrow down your options.
3. Location Matters
Consider whether you want to study close to home or are open to going further afield, even studying abroad. Think about the type of environment you thrive in - city, suburban, or rural. Location can impact your lifestyle, cost of living, and overall college experience.
4. Check the Admission Requirements
Ensure you meet the admission requirements of the colleges you're considering. Look at their acceptance rates, required standardized test scores, GPA requirements, and any other prerequisites for admission.
5. Evaluate Costs
Consider tuition fees, living expenses, and availability of financial aid. Don’t rule out more expensive schools immediately, as they might offer financial aid packages that could make them affordable.
6. Explore Campus Life
Look at extracurricular activities, housing options, student organizations, and campus facilities. This can greatly impact your college experience.
7. Look at Post-Graduation Outcomes
Check graduation rates, job placement rates, and average starting salaries of graduates. This information can give you an idea of a school's reputation and the value of its degrees in the job market.
8. Visit (if possible)
Visiting campuses can give you a feel for the community, culture, and overall vibe, helping you decide if it's a place where you could be happy and successful.
9. Seek Advice
Speak with current students or alumni, if possible. They can provide first-hand insights about the school. High school counselors, teachers, and family members can also be valuable resources during this process.
10. Apply
Finally, apply to multiple schools that fit your criteria to increase your chances of acceptance and to give yourself several options to choose from.
Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to choosing a college or university. It's about finding the best fit for you and your goals. Take your time, do your research, and trust your instincts.
Paul Frazier
Product Manager
9
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Look at your passions, look at the options the colleges offer, and look at cost!
Cost is a huge factor in my opinion, if you are looking at two similar colleges and one is in state and one is out of state that can make a huge difference for years to come.
Also look if they offer scholarships to freshman and to 2-4th year students once they pick a major.
Cost is a huge factor in my opinion, if you are looking at two similar colleges and one is in state and one is out of state that can make a huge difference for years to come.
Also look if they offer scholarships to freshman and to 2-4th year students once they pick a major.
Alex Blitstein
Assurance
50
Answers
Santa Monica, California
Updated
Alex’s Answer
I would talk to friends and family and see what they liked. The next step is to set up campus visits. This will give you a real world feel for the campus and everything. Then reach out to some current students and see if they can show you good things about their schools. I would say a big school has a lot of potential, since there is something there to do for everyone.
Jacob Schwarber, CPA
Finance Lead
130
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
Hi, Ashley,
I think you have some very helpful answers already, but I want to give you a couple of other things to consider. When you pick your college, I think the best starting point is to determine what you ultimately want to do for your career (or maybe pick a couple of career options) and find schools that have programs that match your career aspirations. Start your search there and take time to learn as much as you can about each school. If you're unsure about what you want to do, or even if you are sure and want an interesting read, check out the career guide I linked below. I think it's extremely helpful - I wish I read it before I went to college.
I'd also recommend visiting colleges you are seriously considering and get a feel for what campus life is like. Try to talk to some students/admissions representatives too. If actual visits are not an option for you, you'll find that a lot of schools have virtual options. Many colleges offer "virtual tours" on their websites. Asking to have a phone conversation with an admissions counselor can be helpful too. If you ask, I'm sure just about every school would put you in touch with a current student in a program you think you might be interested in so you can ask some questions.
I hope this helps - best of luck!
https://80000hours.org/key-ideas/
I think you have some very helpful answers already, but I want to give you a couple of other things to consider. When you pick your college, I think the best starting point is to determine what you ultimately want to do for your career (or maybe pick a couple of career options) and find schools that have programs that match your career aspirations. Start your search there and take time to learn as much as you can about each school. If you're unsure about what you want to do, or even if you are sure and want an interesting read, check out the career guide I linked below. I think it's extremely helpful - I wish I read it before I went to college.
I'd also recommend visiting colleges you are seriously considering and get a feel for what campus life is like. Try to talk to some students/admissions representatives too. If actual visits are not an option for you, you'll find that a lot of schools have virtual options. Many colleges offer "virtual tours" on their websites. Asking to have a phone conversation with an admissions counselor can be helpful too. If you ask, I'm sure just about every school would put you in touch with a current student in a program you think you might be interested in so you can ask some questions.
I hope this helps - best of luck!
Jacob recommends the following next steps:
Lauren Keeler
Social Impact
24
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
Lauren’s Answer
Hi Ashley! This is a great question. When I was deciding where to go, I really thought about what was important to me. Which schools provided the experience/environment I wanted? Did I want to be in a big city at a big school where I'd be one of thousands? Or a smaller school? Did I want to be close to home? Could I afford to live on campus? I only sort of knew what my major might be, so I also looked at schools that worked well for what I wanted to study. I picked a few places that were interesting and applied, and it came down to where offered me the most financial aid.
Vicki Enderby, CPCU ARe
Financial Services - Insurance - Technology
4
Answers
Ocala, Florida
Updated
Vicki’s Answer
Great Question, Ashley -- well considered feedback from other contributors. Based on my experience, I would like to add a suggested factor to include a Personal Risk Assessment. Consider your experience with life change, need for stability/security, and desire/tolerance for risk.
I am a storyteller -- when I chose my university I had a list of factors similar to those outlined above. I wanted to attend a well established private university (Liberal & Fine Arts, Business, Medical, Engineering) with a diverse population in a "safe" metropolitan area. I looked for a school that supported spiritual exploration, personal freedom & growth without labels. I wanted to attend a university far enough from home that I could not easily retreat into the security of my high school relationships.
I found the perfect institution but the first year was very difficult. A successful (and somewhat naive) student from a small town with lifetime circle of friends & family, I am, in a single day of change, suddenly on my own. That first semester was miserable, my lowest GPA. I bargained with myself & family to make it through the first year limiting access to my comfort zone. I needed to know if I was strong enough to build relationship. Could I succeed in a barrage of new "everything"?
Today, I attribute much of my success to the lessons learned during that year of struggle -- I learned that I am capable of sharing my life with independence. I developed further as a leader. I recognized the need for developing structure, personal plans, setting benchmarks, & accomplishing my goals.
The suddenly dive into this journey is not for everyone. Evaluate the risks as well as the potential that will be presented in the new environment -- what you would need to succeed -- whether you are ready for major life changes in this transition. Best of luck on your future. I am excited for you.
I am a storyteller -- when I chose my university I had a list of factors similar to those outlined above. I wanted to attend a well established private university (Liberal & Fine Arts, Business, Medical, Engineering) with a diverse population in a "safe" metropolitan area. I looked for a school that supported spiritual exploration, personal freedom & growth without labels. I wanted to attend a university far enough from home that I could not easily retreat into the security of my high school relationships.
I found the perfect institution but the first year was very difficult. A successful (and somewhat naive) student from a small town with lifetime circle of friends & family, I am, in a single day of change, suddenly on my own. That first semester was miserable, my lowest GPA. I bargained with myself & family to make it through the first year limiting access to my comfort zone. I needed to know if I was strong enough to build relationship. Could I succeed in a barrage of new "everything"?
Today, I attribute much of my success to the lessons learned during that year of struggle -- I learned that I am capable of sharing my life with independence. I developed further as a leader. I recognized the need for developing structure, personal plans, setting benchmarks, & accomplishing my goals.
The suddenly dive into this journey is not for everyone. Evaluate the risks as well as the potential that will be presented in the new environment -- what you would need to succeed -- whether you are ready for major life changes in this transition. Best of luck on your future. I am excited for you.
Gabriela De Leon
Auditor
18
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Gabriela’s Answer
Hi Ashley,
First determine what major you are interested in. Then look for schools that have a good program for it. Consider if you want to stay close to home or want to go far (this is really important). Lastly, visit the school and see if it is a good fit for you!
First determine what major you are interested in. Then look for schools that have a good program for it. Consider if you want to stay close to home or want to go far (this is really important). Lastly, visit the school and see if it is a good fit for you!
Doris Delgado
Senior-Network Operations
12
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Doris’s Answer
Hi Ashley,
That is perhaps one of most difficult decisions to make since there are many variables to consider.
I found the following article interesting because it lists other factors to consider when choosing a college.
https://www.fastweb.com/college-search/articles/academics-aside-10-factors-to-consider-in-choosing-a-college
Or if you’re still not sure, visit one of your nearby colleges/ universities (that you’re interested in) and see if they host something called, “Shadow a Student” where you can experience an in-depth look at student life.
https://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/college-admissions-playbook/2015/11/23/4-things-to-know-about-college-student-shadowing-days
Best of luck to you!
That is perhaps one of most difficult decisions to make since there are many variables to consider.
I found the following article interesting because it lists other factors to consider when choosing a college.
https://www.fastweb.com/college-search/articles/academics-aside-10-factors-to-consider-in-choosing-a-college
Or if you’re still not sure, visit one of your nearby colleges/ universities (that you’re interested in) and see if they host something called, “Shadow a Student” where you can experience an in-depth look at student life.
https://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/college-admissions-playbook/2015/11/23/4-things-to-know-about-college-student-shadowing-days
Best of luck to you!
Simeon Snow
Risk Assurance
1790
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Simeon’s Answer
Unless you are going into law or medicine, I would focus on affordability. Make sure to not discount community college, especially for a lot of the intro level courses. If you have a pick of places, I would make a point of visiting their campuses to see if it feels like a good fit. Plus, you often get the chance to see flyers and ads for groups, activities, and events that you don't get to see from just visiting the college's website.
Nicolas Gil
Sales
5
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Nicolas’s Answer
I think you should think about what are the most important factors for you in picking the right school. I'll use myself as an example:
1) Family - This was huge for me. I wanted to go to a school where I could drive home and be with my family within a few hours, but at the same, far enough where I feel like I have some space from them.
2) Campus - I wanted a campus aesthetically pleasing to the eye. So I choose a school with brick buildings and an old-school feel, but with a lot of modern parts as well. Here's a good list to use for this: https://www.bestcollegereviews.org/features/most-beautiful-college-campuses/
3) Students - I wanted to go somewhere where not a lot of people from my high school would be attending. I wanted a fresh start and to leave all the high school stuff behind me.
Those are just a few to start. So I would think about what's important to you in a college/university, do some research, plan some visits to the campus (VERY IMPORTANT), and then make a decision.
1) Family - This was huge for me. I wanted to go to a school where I could drive home and be with my family within a few hours, but at the same, far enough where I feel like I have some space from them.
2) Campus - I wanted a campus aesthetically pleasing to the eye. So I choose a school with brick buildings and an old-school feel, but with a lot of modern parts as well. Here's a good list to use for this: https://www.bestcollegereviews.org/features/most-beautiful-college-campuses/
3) Students - I wanted to go somewhere where not a lot of people from my high school would be attending. I wanted a fresh start and to leave all the high school stuff behind me.
Those are just a few to start. So I would think about what's important to you in a college/university, do some research, plan some visits to the campus (VERY IMPORTANT), and then make a decision.
Sheila Jordan
Lead Network Proj/Prog Manager
711
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Sheila’s Answer
Hi Ashley:
College Board.org is a great site to start with. The site contains all sorts of helpful information. Here's the link for your research. Best of luck to you!
College Board • https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/college-search
College Board.org is a great site to start with. The site contains all sorts of helpful information. Here's the link for your research. Best of luck to you!
Sheila recommends the following next steps: