How to Choose the Right College for You
With thousands of colleges, universities, and programs out there, deciding your dream school can be overwhelming and time-consuming. However, following the tips below can help you simplify the search and reduce the time (and stress) on finding your dream school.
To start off, it is important to build a school list and write down the schools you’re interested in. This goes for both undergraduate and graduate applications. An ideal school list sorts colleges into three categories: reach schools, target schools, and safe schools.
Not sure where to start? Take our College Fit Quiz to find schools that best fit you and your preference. Once you have the list ready, it’s time to consider the following factors to start narrowing down your options:
Location
Where you go to school can affect the way you learn. Here are some questions to ask yourself:
Do you want to stay at home (online classes) / close to home / go further from home?
What is your weather preference? (mostly cold days or mostly sunny days)
What kind of setting do you prefer? (by the beach, in the city, in the mountains, etc.)
Settings are important to a student’s lifestyle outside the campus. Activities involving different settings can sometimes be a deal breaker to some students.
Campus Culture
Go on campus tours to see the students, the student union, and the overall vibe of the school. Immerse yourself in the campus life and imagine that you go there. Go during club days to see all the unique clubs and Greek life offered. Talk to students about their experiences on this campus.
For graduate students, network with faculty and alumni from the program you are interested in. Book an informational meeting online or meet up in person for coffee. Talking to them will help you gain a better understanding of what to expect and if you see yourself there.
Academics
Several schools have large, informative lectures while others have smaller, live discussions. If you have a specific preference, it’ll be worth researching how the classes are taught at the university.
Major or Career
Some schools may not offer the major of your choice. To make the elimination process easier, decide which majors you are NOT interested in. Then find schools that are ranked the best in your desired majors and go from there.
For graduate students, decide if the degree program will help you excel in your career. Review the faculty and their research experience to see how you can benefit from potentially working alongside them.
Financial Aid
Schools offer different types of financial aid awards based on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It’s important to find out what kind of help you will receive from the university. Research online or chat with current college students to get a better sense of the resources that the university offers.
Choosing the right college to attend is a tough choice but an important one. The right fit will take you a long way in your career and life.
There are over 25,000 universities in the world. Work with a college expert to better understand and narrow your options before applying. Try Mocaa's free consultation to book free 15-30-minute initial consultations.
