3 answers
Andria
Student
Gallup, New Mexico
1
Question
Asked
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How do I choose between two colleges?
Well I am a sophomore in high school and I play basketball. So I don't know whether to play or to focus on my career that I want to pursue. Also, I don't know which college has the best options for me. #high-school
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3 answers
Samantha Armando
Medical Student
10
Answers
Schaumburg, Illinois
Updated
Samantha’s Answer
Hi! I love to see fellow athletes try to pursue further sports career while in college. I was able to play soccer while studying cell biology (pre-medicine). It was very challenging but very rewarding. I loved the sport I played and my teammates were like my sisters. Playing soccer while in college also helped me with my focus and drive as a college student. I was organized, disciplined and prepared because I knew that I had a huge commitment with soccer so when I had time I had to focus on school work. I honestly benefited from the experience in my personal life as well as career goals. It is very doable to do both. Also nothing is a forever commitment. I had a teammate my first year in college leave the team her third year because she wanted to focus more on her career and was finding the combination not fun or enjoyable anymore. Although, I would always say stick with it, if school and sports were not working well in college there is no reason you could not stop the sport at that time.
In terms of how to pick a college, that is a very tricky question. Also a very important question. You need to find a college that fits YOU. Think of it this way, you will be spending hard, stressful years at this place. College is truly what you make out of it. I will put some steps below on how I picked a college and how I recommended by siblings picked colleges as well.
First, I thought of myself in the school setting. Would I like being in a large, medium or small school. I decided I would want a closer feel school but for sure not small. What that meant for me was class sizes around 100-200 people not 500-800 people. I wanted to build connections with other classmates and especially teachers to help aid in my learning. Second, I looked at the environment of the school. Do they all work together? Do they help the community? Are they willing to help you if needed? Third, I looked at organizations and clubs. I knew I would want to stay busy during college and get involved. I knew I wanted to be a doctor so I looked at clubs that would benefit my future career aspirations. Finally, I looked at other stuff I enjoyed like does the school have a football team, nice gym, help in terms of a therapist or counselor if needed.
Whatever you decide will be great as long as you picked it because you feel you fit, not because someone else thought it was a good fit.
Goodluck and although this process seems stressful, enjoy it because it goes fast and they are some of the best years I have had.
In terms of how to pick a college, that is a very tricky question. Also a very important question. You need to find a college that fits YOU. Think of it this way, you will be spending hard, stressful years at this place. College is truly what you make out of it. I will put some steps below on how I picked a college and how I recommended by siblings picked colleges as well.
First, I thought of myself in the school setting. Would I like being in a large, medium or small school. I decided I would want a closer feel school but for sure not small. What that meant for me was class sizes around 100-200 people not 500-800 people. I wanted to build connections with other classmates and especially teachers to help aid in my learning. Second, I looked at the environment of the school. Do they all work together? Do they help the community? Are they willing to help you if needed? Third, I looked at organizations and clubs. I knew I would want to stay busy during college and get involved. I knew I wanted to be a doctor so I looked at clubs that would benefit my future career aspirations. Finally, I looked at other stuff I enjoyed like does the school have a football team, nice gym, help in terms of a therapist or counselor if needed.
Whatever you decide will be great as long as you picked it because you feel you fit, not because someone else thought it was a good fit.
Goodluck and although this process seems stressful, enjoy it because it goes fast and they are some of the best years I have had.
Thank you so much for answering my question and it helped me out a lot.
Andria
Harvey Gordon
Aerospace/Software Engineer
3
Answers
Huntsville, Alabama
Updated
Harvey’s Answer
Hello Andria, Samantha's answer gives a lot of good advice. I just wanted to add some additional thoughts on choosing a college. When choosing a college you need to look at the location and surrounding area as well as the college itself. The off campus life will be just as important as the on campus life.
Do you prefer a large city or small town? Will you be living on campus the entire time or will you try to get a place of you own? Is there a good job market (if you decide to have a job while at college)? What will you do with your free time when not studying? Choose an area that lets you enjoy your time off and gives you options for off campus life.
Also, take into account the cost of living for different colleges. Not only will the actual cost of classes be important, but so will the cost to live at/around the college. Will there be public transportation to/from classes? What are the fuel/insurance costs if you have a vehicle?
There are a lot of things to consider when finding a college that fits. Unfortunately there is no easy answer, but you are starting early and that will help.
Do you prefer a large city or small town? Will you be living on campus the entire time or will you try to get a place of you own? Is there a good job market (if you decide to have a job while at college)? What will you do with your free time when not studying? Choose an area that lets you enjoy your time off and gives you options for off campus life.
Also, take into account the cost of living for different colleges. Not only will the actual cost of classes be important, but so will the cost to live at/around the college. Will there be public transportation to/from classes? What are the fuel/insurance costs if you have a vehicle?
There are a lot of things to consider when finding a college that fits. Unfortunately there is no easy answer, but you are starting early and that will help.
Amy Keefner
Life Coach
8
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Amy’s Answer
I agree with Samantha's advice. I am also a big fan of pros and cons lists. Write both schools out and do a column for Pros and Cons of each school and be really honest with YOURSELF not anyone else on what those are.