4 Things to Consider When Making a Final College Decision

Now that you’ve heard from all of the colleges that you’ve applied to, take a deep, relaxing breath. Feels good, right? Well, you’ve still got some work to do – now you need to choose the college you’ll attend in the fall — by May 1st. This is your final stretch to making that ultimate decision: where you will live and go to college for the next 4 years. For some, it’s a no brainer — you’ve been accepted to your #1 college and you’ve probably already sent in your deposit. Gold star for you! For others, you’re stressing out about making this big decision. And you’re definitely not alone. But here’s some advice to make that decision easier: first and foremost, don’t make decisions based on the name brand. So many students — and parents! — choose colleges based on prestige or legacies and later regret it. Don’t make that mistake!

Majors/Programs
The single most important factor, arguably, is the major. Make sure your chosen college has the major or possible majors that you’re considering. Here’s why: One of my students was planning to major in business marketing and was accepted to UC Santa Barbara. She came to me to help her organize her four-year college plan for marketing. BUT, UCSB doesn’t offer a business marketing degree! Save yourself headaches and heartaches! Go online to compare your major at your top 3 colleges. Choose the college that has the best programs and opportunities within your intended majors.
Costs/Financial Aid
Now that a college degree can cost more than $200,000, many families are choosing colleges based on financial aid. Public colleges are strapped for funds and offer very little by way of “free money”. Private colleges have more money thanks to big endowments, so their tuition costs to you may be comparable to a public college after considering their grants and scholarships. Carefully review your financial aid reports to determine your absolute bottom line costs. THEY CAN BE TRICKY! Call the financial aid department to get clarity on confusing reports. And most importantly, make sure that the financial aid they offer will be guaranteed for all 4 years! One student I work with received a handsome package for her freshman year but they rolled back their scholarships for the following year. Don’t get caught during your sophomore or junior year trying to negotiate financial aid. You’ll have less leverage and nowhere to go!

Extracurriculars/Opportunities
When comparing your colleges, consider what opportunities they offer students in your major. Some colleges set up internships or study abroad programs specifically for your major. Choose a college with professors who engage with students outside of class and encourage them to get involved in their research. Make sure your college helps you move forward to higher education or guides you as you enter the work force. Some colleges actually set up interviews and even pay for flights and hotels! Learn more about your college BEFORE you hit the submit button!
Social Life/Location
If you have the opportunity to visit the college before May 1st, do it! Check out their classes, dining halls, sports facilities, and dorms. Stay overnight to get a feel for the dynamics of the college to make sure it’s a good fit. If you don’t like the Greek system (fraternities and sororities), check to see how prevalent they are on campus before making your decision. If you’re hoping to make great connections through internships and networking while in college, you don’t want to be tucked away in a rural farming community (unless your network needs farming contacts, of course). Think about where your future jobs will be and choose a college that is closer to the connections you hope to make!

So here’s the bottom line: don’t choose a college just because of its prestigious reputation or because it’s your mom’s alma mater. Choose your future college because it is going to give you the most opportunities in your future career, offers the best financial aid package, and is located where you need to be to succeed!