By Lauren W., our College blogger
The application is turned in, standardized tests have been taken, transcripts and essays have been in, and the application has been returned. All that is left to do on the road to college is pick which one is right for you.
High school seniors apply to as little as one college all the way up to 10 or more, put choosing the right school to attend is always a complicated process. There are many things to consider when choosing a college, but it is important to remember that college should not be a stressful decision.
Not one college is perfect in everyway, and it is important to keep that in mind while making your decision:
Think Location: When applying to colleges you may think a school hours away from home sounds like a great idea, but distance is a huge factor of choosing a college. Really consider if going or away or staying near by is right for you. Homesickness is bound to happen at some point during the first year, and it is important to pick a distance where you feel comfortable handling it.
Think Tuition: There is no denying college is expensive. Sometimes the final decision comes down to where is the most affordable. Just because one college’s tuition is more expensive does not mean another school does not offer just as good of an education. Consider what scholarships were given or available. However, if you are really passionate about a school do not let money stop you. Many schools offer financial aid, scholarships, and work study options.
Think Size: You have already applied and been accepted, so clearly thoughts of size have already been considered. It is important to look into what each school’s policy on class size is. Some schools are so large that every class is a 150 person lecture with a T.A. as a teacher, and some schools have 12 students in the class. Think about if you like the anonymity or the personal connection between you and a teacher.
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