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Are you beginning the college search process, and don’t know where to start? Here is a short guide on how to start this important process!
You’ve been told you can apply to 10 universities, and now you sit there at your desk, browsing through lists of universities across the world, and you have no idea which ones to choose. Good news! We’ve all been there at some point in our lives, and with a little bit of guidance, it becomes much easier. When choosing what university you will spend the next couple of years in, there are some important factors to consider, and I’m here to break them down for you.
Location:
Many of us will be moving away from our families, to a different country and even a different continent, so you have to choose a place where you can make your home. Some universities sit right in the middle of huge cities, like NYU, while others are in a small college town, secluded from major cities, like Syracuse University. Some are right by the ocean, like UC Santa Cruz, while others are hidden in the mountains, like Dartmouth University. Whatever you choose, you need to pick a university that’s in a location you will like and offers activities that you will enjoy. Some questions you need to ask yourself are:
- How far from home do you want to live?
- Do you want to live in a big city or somewhere smaller with a smaller community?
- Does the location have things I will enjoy?
- Does your location have a very diverse community or a couture-specific community?
The Campus
The location of the campus and the campus itself are intertwined but also differ quite a bit. Each university has its very own campus feel, some are more modern than others, some are surrounded by nature while others are highly urbanized, and for some, the city is the campus. You will spend a great deal of time on your campus, you have to be comfortable and happy with your surroundings, but also the people and community around you. The vibe of the student body is important, at some universities you will find that students are more spirited and involved in their community, while at others, they may be more academically focused. Pick a university where the campus look and feel will make you feel at home. Here are some questions you can ask yourself:
- Do you want a busy urban campus or more of a countryside/park-like setting?
- Do you want to be in a school with a huge student population or do you want to be in a smaller community?
- Does the campus make me feel at home?
Academic interests and Quality of Education
Probably one of the biggest factors to consider when choosing a university is whether or not they offer programs for the subjects and careers you are interested in. Not all universities offer the courses you may be interested in taking, so it’s important to do your research and make sure they have what you’re looking for. Additionally, you may also want to consider the quality of education for the respective field, you may be looking at a university that overall has a great ranking, but they may not rank excellently in the major you are interested in, so make sure that you are also considering the quality of education the course you want to take. Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- Does the school offer the major/minor I want to pursue?
- What type of courses do I need to take to get my degree? Are these the courses I’m interested in?
- What are the admission requirements for the university but also my major/minor?
Student life
Considering life beyond the classroom is one of the most important factors when choosing a university. Student life consists of things such as; residency, dining halls, extracurricular activities, school events, and school spirit. It’s important to take all of these things into consideration, from the quality of the food, to what a typical Friday night looks like at the university. Some students may be looking for universities where sports are huge, while others may be looking for big greek life. It’s important to know what student life is like, try to watch videos, talk to current students, or read blogs, there are lots of resources to help you understand student life! Some questions to consider:
- What kind of events can I attend on campus?
- What clubs and sport teams are available?
- What do I want my living/eating situation to look like?
Finances
Although it’s not a fun one, considering finances is important. Not only should you be looking at the overall cost of attending this school, but you should also look at financial aid opportunities and scholarship opportunities. Choosing a university that you can afford is critical, and remember, the most expensive university isn’t always the best university. Some questions you should ask yourself:
- What is the total cost of attendance (including living expenses, books, etc)?
- Can I afford the cost?
- Do I have access to financial aid and scholarships that will help me cover the costs?
Other factors to take into consideration:
- Transportation
- Type of institution (religious)
- Opportunities beyond the classroom (international exchange programs)
The university search process is different for everyone, but these are just some of the things everyone should consider, even if you have your heart set on a university. Knowing yourself and what you want is crucial in making the right decision, and I hope that after reading this article you have a better idea of how to start!
