How To Decide Which College To Attend
Spring is one of my favorite times to be an independent college consultant. I love hearing about my students’ college acceptances and decisions! For families without college consultants, though, it’s tough to decide which college to attend. So, I’ve laid out three steps to take on your way to making the big decision.
How To Decide Which College To Attend: Tip #1: Evaluate Financial Considerations.
Comparing the financial aid packages, scholarships, and overall costs is the first step to deciding which college to attend. Consider factors such as tuition, housing, and the cost of living in the area. For instance, Candy Mickels Mejia's daughter chose a state school over University of Chicago due to cost.
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How To Decide Which College To Attend: Tip #2: Visit Each Campus
If possible, attend admitted student programs to experience the campus firsthand. It’ll likely feel completely different now that you’re no longer an applicant! Even if you toured already, return now. Valuable insights from current students and faculty into the academic and social atmosphere can help you decide which college to attend.
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How To Decide Which College To Attend: Tip #3: Connect With Current Students Especially If You’re Not Able to Visit Campus
You might ask, “Well, how do I do that?” Luckily, social media sleuthing and networking can help you connect with current students to decide which college to attend. Here are my top four suggestions for making those connections:
Contact Admissions Offices
Reach out to the admissions offices of your accepted colleges. Inquire about opportunities to speak with current students. Many institutions can arrange conversations between prospective and current students. Admissions representatives may also know students from your high school who now attend the college.
Utilize Social Media & Peer-to-Peer Platforms
Explore social media channels like Facebook and Instagram to find groups or pages dedicated to admitted students or specific college communities. (Parents can also find parents’ groups there.) Posting on Reddit might also yield some results. Additionally, some colleges host Instagram takeovers where current students share their daily experiences and answer questions
Some colleges partner with platforms like Unibuddy, enabling prospective students to chat with current students and alumni. Engaging with these groups and individuals allows you to interact with current students and gain firsthand perspectives.
Attend Virtual Information Sessions & Explore Admitted Student Websites
Colleges' websites can be an important resource for students unable to visit campus. Virtual information sessions often feature panels of current students followed by Q&A segments where you can ask specific questions. The admitted student sections of college websites often provide resources like video testimonials to connect with current students.
Consult Your High School Network
Speak with your high school counselor to identify alumni who currently attend your accepted colleges. Connecting with these students can provide relatable insights to help you decide where to attend college.
Conclusion
It’s not easy to decide which college to attend now that you have several offers. However, by evaluating financial considerations, visiting each campus, and connecting with current students, I have no doubt you’ll make the right decision!
If you need more assistance in sorting through your options, though, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at info@crimsoncoaching.com. Good luck!
Chat GPT assisted with the research and writing of this article. Dominique Padurano researched, edited, and wrote the rest.