Most students would do well in one of a handful of colleges that will meet all of their desires and requirements. Even so, there are some colleges that are unique (or at least unique in that region of the country). Whatever your case may be here are general responses to the most frequent concerns about choosing a college. Of course, a specific response depends on the particular student I’m talking with, but I hope these generic responses can help you.
Concern: All the colleges seem alike.
They do tend to be quite alike. Most college offer similar classes, extracurricular activities, residence halls, and have pretty campuses. Their key differences usually boil down to two things: the student body and the location.
- Student body: Some colleges have mainly A students, others B students, still others C students. Most colleges have a mix of all types of students, but other colleges have predominantly artsy, athletic, religious, preppy, conservative, liberal, activist, and/or studious students.
- Location. Some colleges are in the frozen wasteland; at others, you can wear shorts in February. You also need to decide whether you want to be within quick driving or “laundry distance” of home or move to the farthest place you can think go.
Unless there’s something unusual you’re looking for in a college, such as vegan cafeteria food or a major in entomology, chances are, if you choose your college based just on student body and location, you’ll be satisfied with your choice.
Concern: My girl(boy)friend is going to ______ College.
Affection and romance can be a powerful motivator. It can even make a student go to an inappropriate college just to be with his or her significant other. Of course, if your sweetheart is going to a college that’s also well-suited to you, okay. But fact is, most high school romances don’t last beyond a semester or two of college – there are too many new people to meet and new experiences that make one of you realize that maybe you weren’t so perfect for each other, after all. It would be a shame if you risked your college experience on a relationship that ended soon after you got to college. If your relationship is that perfect, even if you attend different colleges, frequent visits, e-mails, and big phone bills will keep the relationship thriving.
Concern: My parent(s) is(are) pushing College X.
My question is always: why are they pushing College X? Is it because it’s their alma mater? Or because they would like to go there? Or because they want you close to home to avoid their being lonely? Or because they have a rational reason for thinking it would be a great fit for you?
Don’t accept nor reject their recommendation without seriously considering their rationale. Perhaps they’re right – after all, they probably know you pretty well.
Note to parents: I’d feel guilty about pushing my child toward low-cost colleges. But perhaps there really is no reason to feel guilty. The research shows no correlation between college cost and quality. Besides, either way one of you will be paying for that college degree, if it is you, you have a right to spend wisely, if it’s your child, then don’t put them in a situation to increase debt and “waste” money. Therefore, focus on finding a low-cost college that is well-suited to your child.
Concern: I still have no idea where I want to go.
If you’ve tried to figure out where to apply and still are utterly confused or overwhelmed, then think about the following questions:
1) What do you want to study? Make a list of a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choice majors – make sure all the schools you apply to have all three.
2) What size do you want? Do you picture yourself in working in small seminar classes at college that is smaller than the typical high school? Or do you want so many activities and choices that a student body in the thousands interests you?
3) How much does location matter? Do you want to be close to home? Would you mind living in a new climate? Are you aware of the local attractions or dominate political views? With that information in mind there are various free services and search engines that can help you narrow down your choices. My favorite is College Navigator, because it was built for students and parents to use (and has some cool advanced features for counselors).
Remember 95% of colleges need you more than you need them – because most colleges never fill all their slots. Be picky!
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