Mallory
I am struggling choosing between four colleges. How do I know which one is right for me?
I have been debating between four colleges for a while now. I have been accepted to two, I am pretty sure I will get accepted to another one of them, and the last one I am unsure whether I will be accepted or not. They all have so many pros and cons, and I am a terrible decision maker. I just want to know if there are any tips that you could give me on choosing the right college for me. #indecisive #choices
8 answers
Amy Kindall
Amy’s Answer
Hey, Mallory.
First: CONGRATULATIONS! Such a major accomplishment to be accepted to a college you like, let alone three times! Good on you!
Second: This is a big decision and it's normal to be overwhelmed, anxious, giddy, terrified, etc. The fact that you're struggling to choose proves you are a thoughtful human. Well done. :)
Third: Here's the part of the answer I don't like, but it's real and honest and brimming with optimism (believe it or not).... Deep breath. Okay. There may not *be* a correct answer. Yikes, right?
You can run cost analyses and risk/benefit matrices that tell you College A is the clear winner over College B. But there are factors you can't determine like inspiring mentors, awesome friends, and where you are in your head. Whether you like your college or not is up to YOU. Optimistic, right?
So, yes, weigh the cost and the graduation rates. Ask how many graduates are employed full-time in their fields of study 6 and 12 months after graduation. How do their incomes compare? Good data.
But here's the heart of my advice: how many clubs are there? Are there events and activities coordinated by the college (this will indicate how much they care about student engagement)? What do students typically do on the weekends? Join a Facebook Group for alumni and ask for their favorite Saturday memory. If they were having fun, you probably will, too. If their memories are tinged with boredom or frustration, it might not be a campus that fosters engagement. And that's what you crave.
So take a tour, if you can. See if there's an overnight visit for prospective students. Ask Admissions to connect you with a student leader who can answer your questjons. Find out which campus will feel most like "home," because THAT is what matters.
Abby Lupi
CareerVillage.org TeamAbby’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team
Hi Mallory! I’m sorry no one’s answered your question yet. We're working hard to get it answered by Professionals with the best insights, but in the meantime I've included a link to a relevant Q&A here on CareerVillage.org that should be super helpful for you to read through.
Britny asked: How do I choose between colleges?, and one of the Pros who answered it said:
One important factor is cost. I don't think colleges do a good enough job of talking through the details of education debt and how that might affect your career/higher education options down the road. The reality is that education is very expensive in the U.S., so depending on your career goals and your financial situation, your search for the perfect college should include proper consideration of what it will cost you and if it is worth it. Obviously this largely depends on the profession you choose, but do your research and I would caution you against relying on what the school says is their "average salary" upon graduation--these numbers are notoriously inflated...
Click the question to read more of what this Pro and others had to say!
Good luck!
Abby
Community Management Intern at CareerVillage.org
Velma Schwien
Velma’s Answer
First of all I would like to congratulate you on your candidacy for four different colleges! Great job! Second I would like to tell you it is a big decision to make, so take your time. I searched for two years before I found the right program at the right university for my masters program.
Make your decision using your pros and cons list for the process of elimination between the four choices. Choose from the ones that fit best to your lifestyle and needs. Are they close to home or do you have to commute and how much time would that take? Do they have dorms or off campus living and is that included in tuition pricing?
Do any of them come with scholarships for tuition? How many offer scholarships for transfer students and who are the other colleges they are affiliated with? What do their articulation agreements with other universities look like? What does the financial aid look like?
Make sure they have the career path you are looking for. Check to see if they have accreditation and if the career path you are looking for has to be accredited, and if so do they offer that accreditation.
How long will the program you are looking for take to complete? Compare the curriculum for each one, (one may require courses you do not want to take, others may not).
If you are social, find out about the social life on campus, what opportunities for leadership are there for you on campus, what types of clubs or honor societies can you be a part of?
I hope you find these helpful and you are able to make a better informed choice for your college career. I wish you luck in your future endeavors and hope you find your dream college soon.
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
Choosing the Right College: Tips for Indecisive Students
Deciding about which college to attend can be a daunting task, especially when faced with multiple options and uncertainties. Here are some tips to help you navigate through the decision-making process and choose the right college for you:
1. Identify Your Priorities: Start by identifying what factors are most important to you in a college. Consider aspects such as academic programs, campus culture, location, size of the student body, extracurricular activities, financial aid options, and career services. Rank these priorities based on their significance to you.
2. Visit the Campuses: If possible, visit the campuses of the colleges you are considering. This will give you a firsthand experience of the campus environment, facilities, and student life. Pay attention to how you feel while on campus and whether you can envision yourself being a part of that community.
3. Talk to Current Students and Alumni: Reach out to current students and alumni of the colleges you are interested in to get insights into their experiences. Ask them about academics, social life, opportunities for growth, and any challenges they faced while attending the college.
4. Consider Financial Factors: Evaluate the financial aspects of attending each college, including tuition costs, scholarships, grants, and potential student loan debt. Make sure to consider the long-term financial implications of your decision.
5. Review Academic Programs: Look into the academic programs offered by each college and assess whether they align with your interests and career goals. Consider factors such as faculty expertise, research opportunities, internship programs, and post-graduation outcomes.
6. Seek Guidance: Don’t hesitate to seek guidance from school counselors, teachers, parents, or mentors who can provide valuable insights and advice based on their experiences. They may offer perspectives that could help clarify your decision-making process.
7. Trust Your Instincts: While it’s essential to gather information and weigh your options carefully, ultimately trust your instincts when making the final decision. Choose the college where you feel most comfortable and believe will provide you with the best opportunities for personal and academic growth.
By following these tips and taking a thoughtful approach to your decision-making process, you can navigate through the complexities of choosing a college and find the best fit for your academic and personal aspirations.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
The College Board: The College Board is a non-profit organization that provides resources and guidance for students in their college search process. Their website offers valuable information on choosing colleges based on various criteria.
U.S. News & World Report - Best Colleges Rankings: U.S. News & World Report publishes annual rankings of colleges and universities based on factors such as academic quality, graduation rates, and student satisfaction. These rankings can be a useful reference for students evaluating different colleges.
National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC): NACAC is an organization dedicated to supporting high school counselors and college admission professionals. Their resources include guidelines on choosing colleges, understanding admission processes, and making informed decisions about higher education options.
GOD BLESS!
James Constantine Frangos.
Clint Herron
Clint’s Answer
maryam israr
maryam’s Answer
Read the details of all four colleges,
see which one is good providing good skills in studying!
Simeon Snow
Simeon’s Answer
Noah
Noah’s Answer
I'm sorry you're feeling indecisive. Trust me, I face the same problem all the time. But to find the college that suits you best, you have to know what you're majoring in. Search up which school is ranked the highest in what you're majoring in and go with that. There's also other deciding factors like do you want a good sports program, are fraternities and sororities important to you, is cost or tuition a huge deciding factor, things like that. Find out what's most important to you, write that down and choose the best college out of the 4 that best suits your interests.
I hope that helped!