After admittance: How to pick the right college

You have gotten your admission letter for college. Maybe, you have gotten more than one. It is common for high school seniors to apply to several schools. If you applied to a wide range of schools from “safeties” to “reaches,” you are probably sitting in front of three to five different offers. Getting into college was exciting for me, but I remember being stressed out about choosing the right school. During the month I was given to make that decision, my inbox was bombarded with e-mails from every college that extended a welcome. Of course, each school claimed that it provided the best academic experience and most engaging student life.

In some ways, colleges are not lying in their seemingly exaggerated assertions. Everyone prioritizes different aspects of a school. Get to know your options and understand all the stipulations of your acceptances from financial aid to specific programs you might have been offered.

Visit the campus

The best way to learn more about a college is to visit the campus. Regardless of whether that college had been a stop on your pre-application tour in the past, you should revisit the school and scrutinize it with the intentions of potentially attending. Consider the practicality of living at the school or commuting. Even simple questions like “Are there plants or trees on campus that you are allergic to?” or “How accessible is the health center?” are important. Immerse yourself in the student experience. Read at the school library, have a meal at the dining hall, attend a class, or if possible, stay overnight in the dorms. Be sure to talk to some actual students and not just those hired by the admissions office.

Attend any welcome or preview events the school might organize for newly admitted students. A school that truly values its students will roll out the red carpet for you and arrange special performances, dinners, and tours just for this event. Furthermore, these welcome events are a great time to meet prospective members of your freshman class. It also gives you a chance to speak with other students who might also be deciding between similar college acceptances.

Consider potential areas of study

Because your primary job at college will be as a student, it is very important to consider what a college can offer in terms of academics. Besides whether the curriculum is challenging, diverse, and interesting, you may also want to learn what a school has to offer in terms of different majors. If you have an idea of what you want to study, look to see if a school offers particular programs, internships, or guidance in those fields. Some schools may not offer your major at all, while others might even have accelerated programs for those hoping to pursue a specific career.

Even if you are not sure what you want to study, browse the variety of opportunities a college has to offer. A larger selection will give you greater flexibility to explore different fields and better resources for whatever major you do declare.

Money matters

Before making a decision, you should always consider the financial implications of enrolling in each college. Unless you are fully paying for your education, it is worth speaking with your parents about tuition costs. Financial aid packages and scholarships are important, given the huge expense of college in today’s day and age. If you are planning on higher education after undergrad, you may want to consider a less expensive school or one that offers you a scholarship.

Additionally, review the details of your financial aid package or scholarship. You may be offered a loan, rather than a grant and many scholarships are renewed on an annual basis, providing you maintain a specific G.P.A.

Talk to teachers, friends, and family

Lastly, it is helpful to get the opinions of others. Have a discussion with teachers, guidance counselors, friends, and family. Talking with others may give you the validation you need to make that final decision or reason to reconsider. You may come across someone who has more information about a specific school or can put you in touch with a current student. Furthermore, family and friends can provide a different perspective and point out particular concerns you may not have previously considered.

When I finally made my decision, I remember feeling uneasy and worried that I may have made the wrong choice. It may seem easy to delve into the world of hypotheticals, but look forward. Be confident in your decision and focus on the new adventure you are about to begin. Enjoy the rest of your senior year and start getting excited about college. Browse the course catalog and connect with other new students. The worst is over and only the best is yet to come.

Aglaia Ho is a junior at Williams College and a native New Yorker. She also writes for her own blog at www.aglaiaho.weebly.com.