Plain talk about college

The admissions decisions are in, now you need to make the most important decision of all – which college will you choose?

I’m sad to say that far too many students stumble into the pitfall of choosing a college solely because of the school’s name; giving little thought or attention to whether or not that is the best place for them.  Others arbitrarily choose a school because of how it looks or how well a certain team does.  While these are things that are worth considering to some degree, it’s important to remember that these are not the things that students generally point to as the key to their ultimate satisfaction with a school – the reason why they stay at a particular school.

No, I believe most college students are more likely to point to things such as: good relationships with their classmates, positive interaction with faculty members, quality of academics, availability of programs and opportunities in their field of study, and ability to graduate without being too deeply in debt.  Not once in all my years doing this have I had  students in their last year of college say to me. “I loved being at my college because it had ivy covered buildings.”

So before you make that decision, here are some things I hope you will consider when you make your visit (I can’t stress enough how VERY important it is that you visit.) and before your parents write that check confirming your enrollment:

• Did I like the students I met?  Did I feel comfortable around them? Did they seem like people I would have things in common with?
• When I sat in on a class, were the students engaged and participating?
• How did the faculty members treat their students?
• When I toured the campus, was there evidence of student artwork and research?
• When I read the school newspaper, did I find interesting things being discussed and events that sounded like something I would enjoy?
• How strong is the program in the field  I am considering?
• How easy is it to change majors?
• Did I feel safe?
• Could I picture myself there 4 years from now?
• How much debt will I have when I graduate?

There are other things you may need to consider as well, such as the quality of the student support services that are available, so be sure you make a list of things you need to find out about while you’re there.  The important thing is to make an informed decision based on the things that are most likely to help you be succcssful and content at that school.

In the end, you may end up choosing a school that has a famous name, fabulous team, and ivy covered buildings, but you will have the assurance that you chose that school because it truly is the best fit for you.