Things to Consider Before Choosing a College

Choosing a college is often one of the largest challenges faced by high school students. With so many different options out there, how can you be sure that the one you select is the right one for you? There’s nothing worse than dedicating yourself to a school, applying and getting accepted, only to find out halfway through your freshman year that it is nothing like what you expected.

So, before you decide which schools to apply to, it’s crucial that you spend some time examining what they have to offer you. Here are a few things to consider along your journey to choosing the college that best suits you.

Do They Offer the Major That You Want?

This one is a top priority. There’s little point in attending a college that doesn’t offer your major. Otherwise, you’ll be stuck choosing something other than what you’d like to do as a future career. With that said, there are some majors that are adjacent to each other, like marketing and business administration, where you might find that you can take the classes you need without that exact major. The important thing here is that you’re sure that you’ll learn what you need in order to have the career that you desire.

What Are the Cafeteria and Dorms Like?

Since most students live on campus in order to get a taste of the full college experience, the condition of the cafeteria, dorms, and other communal living spaces are important. If the dorms consist of plenty of amenities (like new showers and accessible microwaves) and have a comfortable setup, then the school may seem more enticing than others. The same is true of schools that have decent cafeteria food, since that’s where most meals end up getting eaten by students on a budget.

Do You Enjoy the Campus?

Whether the campus is rural, city, or suburban, it has a certain vibe about it. The landscaping is often pristine and well cared for, and there’s usually a central quad or square where students congregate. If you enjoy the school’s vibe and feel comfortable there, even on an official tour, then you’ll more than likely have that same feeling when you matriculate there.

Is Greek Life Central to Life on Campus?

Some schools don’t have Greek organizations at all, while others have plenty of options with most students belonging to one. Then there are the schools in the middle. If you want to join a fraternity or sorority, then it’s important to pick a college that offers them. On the contrary, if you just don’t care, then picking a school where it’s a central part of life may not be the best idea.

Giving a School a “Test Run”

In addition to getting the answers to these questions and others, you can always give a college a test run. For example, some schools, like Dean College, have a pre-college summer program that high school students can attend. For two weeks, they get a chance to learn more about a major and career that interested them, like sports broadcasting, while living on campus amongst their fellow students. By the end of the program, they’ll have a much better idea of whether or not the school is for them.

As an ambitious high school student, considering these five elements of college life is sure to help you decide which college fits the bill! Interested in learning more about our pre-college summer programs as a way of previewing the Dean experience? Request more info, today.