As many of you high school seniors know, it is the season for college applications. By this time you've probably sent in your first Early Action or only Early Decision application. Some factors that will influence your decision are being in or out of state, a large or small school, or maybe a sports scholarship. You may be nervous about how many schools you need to apply to, essays to write, and stressed about a good SAT score. U.S. News defines the college admissions process as a "playbook," meaning the impossibility of determining acceptance based on major selection, SAT scores, college essays, and activities.
In the process of selecting the school of your dreams, here are some things to keep in mind:
1. Deciding A Major
College applications are pretty unfair, to say the least, especially selecting a major to get into the school of your choice. Applying undeclared to all schools is literally the best. It's hard to decide a major based on minimal high school experience, even with college credit. Upon completion of your first semester, you will know more about yourself and interests. By taking general education courses, you explore new subjects and concepts and confirm old. Being undeclared can help decide your major and prevent future major changes. Being undeclared is not wasting time, but rather taking more meaning and time for self-discovery.
2. Focusing on Interests
Focusing on interests outside of the classroom is equally important as selecting a major. Ask yourself if the school you are applying to not only fits your interests but fits the mold of yourself. Participating in job shadowing or learning from professional organizations on campus is helpful during the summer and school year when looking and confirming interests. For example, if you are interested in liberal arts, look at schools with a primarily liberal arts focus.
3. Location, Location, Location
Location is one of the most important aspects of deciding what college or university to go to. Do you want to be close to home, far away, or within a day's reach? Having almost completed my first semester, it is really helpful having family close by that can visit you, take you home at any moment, and bring you groceries when you don't have a car the first year. I recommend staying close to family to ease the transition from home to college.
4. Life Off-Campus
Another aspect of location is deciding what area to be in: a big city, a bustling small town, or a sleepy small town. Of course, there are numerous activities on campus every week, but what about the weekend? Big cities usually have numerous malls, a busy downtown, lots of restaurants, museums and attractions, more jobs and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Small towns can also be cosmopolitan with size, have a smaller or closer community, move at a slower pace, and have less congestion and pollution. Living in a big city can be overwhelming in the midst of going to college. The best way to determine which size town for college is right for you is to visit before and after acceptance.
After all of the hard work of applying and visiting, choosing the school for you is the most rewarding!
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