Harvard? Yale? Maybe Brown?
We've all heard of these elite Ivy League schools. But just because the "brand name" sounds good, doesn't mean it's the right college for YOU.
Factors you should consider pondering about which college to apply for:
(These may be ranked in different order depending on which factor is more important to you)
- Location! Location! Location!
Think to yourself. Do you want to be close to home or in a land far far away? The actual college campus surrounding is important as well. Do you like large cities with a population of 1 million + or do you like the reserved life of a suburban town?
- Major
Does the college offer the major you want? If this is not your number one factor, it should be in the top three at least. Albeit many college campuses look like the perfect home and everything about it just seems to fit you; if it doesn't offer your intended major, then it's a no-go.
- Special Programs
Most colleges offer internships or study abroad programs. These are beneficial to students as they give a different perspective about other countries and also may help find that the once "perfect major" may not be so perfect after all. One college admissions officer I spoke to told me a story about a boy who was a pre-med major. On the first day of his internship in the hospital, they brought in a patient who needed surgery. The boy fainted. Thus he learned that he couldn't possibly be a doctor and switched majors following that fiasco.
- $$$
Cost. It's a burden on most families because college is pricey. Check out financial aid opportunities and scholarships that you may be eligible for at the college. If the rate for students receiving financial aid packages is low, you may want to look for other alternatives. Most colleges however, will work with you if you are accepted and are still unable to pay for the tuition.
One thing I cannot stress enough is the need to visit the college's campus. Although the brochure the college mails to you (join their mailing list!) may have the vital information that you seek and include beautiful pictures of the campus, it is never like the real thing.
If you happen to know someone who is a student or alumni of the college you are interested in, talk to them. Ask many questions about the social life, classes, residence halls, and food.
During my freshman year, I felt that Stanford was right for me. It is after all, a prestigious medical school and I thought I would be a science major. Stanford has a beautiful campus and it was only an hour away from my hometown. However, as years passed, I found that science wasn't right for me. My thought freshman year was to stay in California, now as an upcoming Senior I feel that the East coast (New York to be exact) is more right for me. So don't hesitate, your choice now may change over time.
Don't force yourself to believe a college is right for you just because it's right for someone else.
Choosing your perfect college is not an easy process. It is not only where you'll be learning. It is your home for four years of your life. Don't be scared to apply for colleges with low acceptance rates. If you feel that you can see yourself there and that you are an eligible candidate, then apply!
