How do you know which college is right for you?

Question

I'm a senior in high school and I am very confused about knowing which college is right for the applicant (me). Any tips on how to know if the college is right for you? And what is it like living in a dorm with others?

Answer 1

First, all of the answers that you have gotten so far are very good. However, they are overlooking one major thing. What do you want to do after graduation? Many seniors have an idea of what they want, but believe me by the time you finish your freshman year in college you will have probably changed your major at least twice. Look at where you come from, and think about what you want to major in. With the internet you can go online to the schools and find out if they have whats best for you. You have to decide do you want to room with someone, because if you are used to being by yourself, it can be very different. Do you want to commute. Commuting is good, but you tend to miss out on the experience of being there for the first time, and it's a little like still living at home. Once you find what you are looking for, call the Admissions department and schedule a time to visit. By March you should have acceptance letters coming in, because also trust me, once you choose your school, the tuition bills are going to start coming in, and you will have more to worry about then what you want to major in. You will have a boatload of paperwork to fill out. Just one more tip, while you are picking schools, and it can be alot of fun to go around visiting, don't neglect the fact that you still have to graduate high school.

The bottom line is that you aren't really going to know until you get there. If it's not the right school, stick it out until the term ends which is usually sometime in December, and then you can always transfer schools.

Answer 2

1. Size: do you want a big school or small school? Do you think you might feel 'lost' in a big school? If you do, or if you're shy or don't like to party, you might not like a big university.
2. Location: Do you want to be near a city, or is being in the country okay? How active are you? (ie. do you like to go clubbing, out to restaurants a lot, etc.--if so then you should make sure you're at LEAST 15 min away from a larger town.) Also, keep in mind your cost of living will most likely be much higher in a big city.
3. Aesthetics: Do you care if the campus and the dorms are pretty?
4. State: The East Coast and the West Coast are VERY different. Think about what kind of people you want to go to school with.
5. Weather: Are you okay with snow and cold, or do you need perrenial sun?
6. Classes: Are you okay with having 50+ students in your classes? If you want more personal attention from your professor, a smaller college is for you. Look at the student-teacher ratio.
Most importantly, VISIT the school. Look at the dorms. Are the rooms very small? Are the halls neat or disgusting (and do you care)? Can you bring cars on campus (if you don't have one doesn't matter)? Look at the student newspaper--does it seem like students are involved in the community? What are the dining halls like? What about the campus center?
Good luck!

Answer 3

Congradulations.
You are about to g through hell. :)

hahah well, not really. It's not hell for everyone. I was just really blessed and didn't have to look far.
Some things to consider/ask youself:
1. Where am I comfortable? Do you come from a large-population hs? Is it very diverse? Or are you more comfortable getting to know some people on a very intimate level? Considerations should be made in terms of a large, public university versus a small, private school. Neither are "good" or "bad," and both have positive and negative aspects.
2. Do you like to learn more than you like "getting good grades"? If so, then maybe look into liberal arts *winkwink*!
3. What activities do you like to do? Into sports? Clubs? Volunteering?
and last but not least,
4. What academic programs are you interested in?

VISIT COLLEGES/UNI's. STAY OVERNIGHT IN THE DORMS. TALK TO STUDENTS!!!!
You will be fine. It's just your life...no pressure dude. :-P