Wondering how to choose the best college for you? College can be the absolute best years of your life where you meet your friends for life, meet your future spouse, and most importantly figure out what you want to do with your life. The hardest part is figuring out where to go, and which college would be the best fit for you. Here's how to choose the best college for you.
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1. Decide a Major
This can be either the hardest or easiest part. While some people know exactly what they want to do, others have no idea and are undecided. Do not worry, both are equally okay! If you know what you want to do, seek an institution that will best prepare you for the career path you are on. If you are undecided, it is best to look at colleges that have a large variety of paths to choose, and will allow you to be flexible on the classes you take, because some colleges stick you in awful classes as a punishment for not being decided, definitely steer clear of those places! Figuring out your major is a great first step in how to choose the best college for you.
2. Location, Location, Location
Location can be a major factor when deciding on a college to attend. If you chose to move out of your state, be aware that you will pay out of state fees, and those can become costly. Also be aware that some areas are better suited for your major than others, for example, a marine biology student would be best at a school on a coast, rather than a school in Indiana. It is totally okay if you are not ready to venture too far from home, going to school a few hours away is perfect for the student that wants to feel independent, but also wants to have that safety net of having their family close.
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3. Know What Type of Atmosphere is Best for You
If you are a student that is very social, a party school may spell danger if you cannot learn to juggle your social life and academics. Yes, college is meant to be fun and filled with memories, but first and foremost, you are there to get an education to help you move on to the next stage of your life. Also, if you are a student who needs more intimate attention with a professor, look for small schools, but if you do not care much about how big your classes are, then a large school is no big deal.
4. Take Advantage of Your College Visit Days
Visiting the campus of the school you are thinking about going to is incredibly important, because on paper a school may seem one way, but once you are there it can be totally different. Additionally, if you visit the campus you can talk to students on campus to get a feel for how the students feel about everything, and if you get lucky you can even meet some of your potential professors.
5. You Can Always Transfer
Its okay if when you are on campus things are not how you thought they would be, or you find out that the college does not offer what you need, or if the institution is too expensive, college is not binding, there are hundreds of other options for you to transfer to if you need to, and there is no shame or harm in transferring. Employers will not think any less of you because all that matters is that you are properly equipped with what you need to be successful in the workforce once you graduate, that you matured into an independent adult, and that you formed amazing relationships along the way!
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