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How do you know what college is right for you if you get into multiple when you apply?
I'm a senior and I am currently applying to multiple colleges. #college #collegeaps #college-advice
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Joanna’s Answer
One of the easiest ways to narrow your college options is to think of the things you don't want from a college. This strategy is often easier than to try to match an ideal since there are so many great options to choose from if you are a strong student.
For instance, you might want to avoid taking on a lot of student loan debt, so it would be easy to eliminate those schools that aren't offering you a lot of aid or are offering a lot of aid but are more expensive.
Other possible items on your don't list could include distance from home, reputation of your major department, opportunities or lack thereof to do study abroad, and living quarters.
Paint yourself a clear mental picture of what you don't want and narrowing your choices will be much easier. Good luck!
For instance, you might want to avoid taking on a lot of student loan debt, so it would be easy to eliminate those schools that aren't offering you a lot of aid or are offering a lot of aid but are more expensive.
Other possible items on your don't list could include distance from home, reputation of your major department, opportunities or lack thereof to do study abroad, and living quarters.
Paint yourself a clear mental picture of what you don't want and narrowing your choices will be much easier. Good luck!
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Maeve’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team
If you aren't able to visit the campus, reach out to students who go to those schools! Talking to current students is the best way to understand if you can see yourself at that college/university. Before talking to students, take time to think about what types of environments excite you the most and where you can see yourself thriving. I think school size and location are two major things to consider. Think about the activities/spaces/communities/classes you have enjoyed being in the most during your high school experience, and make sure to list those things out. This way when you talk to students at different colleges, you can tell them what you like and see if they see that at their school too.
When you speak to current students make sure to ask questions about all aspects of college life (both in and outside of class!). When you ask about academics make sure to discuss things like class sizes, course availability, professors, majors, workload, internships etc. And when you ask about life outside of classrooms think about things like location, accessibility to travel or explore nearby places, student housing/off campus living, clubs and activities, sports/music etc.
I hope this was helpful!! Good Luck!!
When you speak to current students make sure to ask questions about all aspects of college life (both in and outside of class!). When you ask about academics make sure to discuss things like class sizes, course availability, professors, majors, workload, internships etc. And when you ask about life outside of classrooms think about things like location, accessibility to travel or explore nearby places, student housing/off campus living, clubs and activities, sports/music etc.
I hope this was helpful!! Good Luck!!
Updated
Bhavin’s Answer
If you can try to visit the campus. You can read about it and watch videos, but nothing gives you the experience of the college once you visit it. Sometimes it will feel like home right away and you can see yourself thriving there and that is how you know. Other times it might not feel like that so you would be hesitant, but that isn't a bad thing. Another way, is trying to reach out to students at each college and talking to them about their experience. Remember there are always aspect of each college you aren't going to like so it is important to ask those students what they don't like. It gives you more insight on if it is the best fit for you. Overall, go with your gut feeling. You will know what is right for you and trust yourself to make that decision.