Choosing a College: How to find the right “fit”

Choosing a college to attend can be scary because there are so many factors to consider when choosing one. After all, it is a huge commitment, so it’s only natural to think of everything from, “does this school offer the major I want to pursue?” to “what kind of quirky traditions does this school have to offer?”. Thinking about these questions as well as the cost of tuition, how far away from home campus will be, the selectivity and reputation of the school will help you come to a decision.

Research and develop your short list.

A lot of thought should go into researching and developing a short list of schools you would like to attend. You should definitely think about location, enrollment size, majors and programs, the people on campus, opportunities outside of the classroom, cost and selectivity. Even housing systems and school traditions should be considered when choosing the right school for you.

A well-balanced list should comprise schools that are a good fit for you in every aspect of what they can offer: socially, academically, and financially. Once you have your list, rank your priorities and weigh the pros and cons of a particular school based on your list of wants and needs in a college.

Think ahead.

It’s important to know how your college aligns with your future prospects. Ask yourself where you want to be in four years. If you can pinpoint a reasonable job and financial outlook, consider which college might best help you reach those goals.

Compare financial aid awards.

Loans and debt can be scary. If you're looking to graduate from college with little or no debt, you should be comparing your financial aid packages. Hidden costs can arise beyond the tuition and other fees may apply. Also, understand the difference between grants and scholarships and loans, which you'll have to pay back eventually. Some colleges offer generous financial aid packages meeting full financial need, meaning those students are not required to take out loans, so make sure to research which schools offer which packages.

Think about the type of college.

There are different types of colleges: community colleges, public and private and two-year and four-year colleges. Think about which ones you would like to attend. It’s also important to note that you should not initially exclude private colleges because of cost; financial aid can sometimes make private colleges as affordable as public colleges.

Visit schools (multiple times if you have to!)

A lot of thought should be put into which school you want to attend; this may prompt a visit to get a feel for campus life. Knowing what to ask on a college visit and not leaving with any questions unanswered can help you come to a decision. Understandably, taking a campus tour can be expensive, considering travel costs, so virtual tours and reaching out to college officials is also an option.