Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

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Seniors, as you consider where you’re going to spend your next few years, remember this mantra by Frank Bruni, NYT Op Ed Columnist and Writer:  "Where You Go is Not Who You'll Be."  You will still be you, and what you do and how you handle challenges and opportunities represents who you are, not the sticker on the back of your car.  So, choose for you, and here are some tips to help you with that decision.

The first thing to consider is the academic offerings:

  • Do they have your program?
  • Do they have great advising?
  • How is the career center? Do they have lots of access to internships and research?
  • Are there specific General Ed requirements (a core curriculum) or Academic clusters?
  • Are you accepted directly into your major or is there pre-work for 2 years before you are formally admitted to your program?
  • How easy is it to change majors if you are uncertain as to your declared major?
  • Do they have a senior thesis (and do you want to do one)?

Some other items to rank:

  • Location
  • Ease getting to and from campus
  • School Size
  • Class size
  • Housing – learn how roommates are chosen
  • Student diversity
  • Clubs and Greek Life – do students have similar interests to yours?
  • Financing your education – are there any hidden costs?

Then, it’s time to visit, and if at all possible, never choose a college where you haven’t set foot on campus:

  • Do the admitted student’s day
  • Get a calendar of orientation, registration, schools terms
  • Sit in on a class
  • Meet a professor or 2
  • Meet the advising staff – how do you get credit for an AP or college credits you’ve earned in high school?  Where are the career and tutoring centers?
  • Do an overnight
  • Tour the surrounding area (is it safe, can you get to the grocery store, inexpensive places to eat off campus, public transport, how will you get home)
  • Eat at the cafeteria and hang out in the student union. You’ll be eating and hanging out for 4 years if all goes well!!!  Ask at the admissions office if they have complimentary tickets for the cafeteria.  While there:
  1. Eavesdrop – what are the students talking about?
  2. Are there visible cliques or do groups seem to be integrating well?
  3. Are students heads down or engaged in conversation (if they’re heads down – remember, it might be mid-terms or finals weeks.
  4. Do students “grab and go” or “stay and gab”?
  5. Talk to students, ask them about their school, what major, what they like and dislike. Most of them will be happy to talk to you. 
  6. As you are researching all of these components, start to compare your schools. Are there any compelling reasons to attend or conversely, any big red flags? What is your gut instinct telling you? Take your time and trust yourself. If you are still undecided when you return from your visits, find a trusted advisor to review your options and gain objective feedback.

Once you’ve decided, and after you’ve put down your deposit on your chosen school (BY MAY 1st!), make sure you notify the other schools that you have decided not to attend. This will allow those schools to make waitlist decisions and allow anxious students an opportunity at their dreams. Lastly, gear up and start the countdown to your new home!