Mistakes To Avoid When Choosing a College

Written by Shilpa Munjuluri

Edited by Krithika Rajesh and Kaylee Kim

If you're a high-school senior, you’ve probably spent hours researching colleges, trying to find the perfect one. You might have even been bombarded with social media posts and emails advertising universities. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a college.

• Finances:

Do not rule out a college from your list only because of its high cost. Most colleges provide some kind of financial aid and don’t expect you to pay the full tuition by yourself. Even if the particular college doesn’t have many options, you can always apply for private aids and grants.

• Student Community:

Always thoroughly research the student community of the institution. Check all the activities and clubs available, as this will help you determine if you would fit well in the college.

• Check all aspects:

Many decide on a college only because they like a single aspect of it. Whether you are in awe of the basketball team or admire the way the student body functions, you should still consider all the other features. When you go to college you won’t be spending all your time on that one thing, and therefore you should go through all the other details, too. Look into their academic schedule, majors offered, boarding, etc.

• Visit Campus:

Most students don’t see the need to visit the campus beforehand. However, it lets you have a sense of comfort, and if you actually decide to join the college, you are familiar with your surroundings. While on a campus visit, you can also check out important buildings such as the closest hospital and libraries.

I understand that not everyone can go for a campus tour. So, if you can’t, I suggest taking a virtual tour to familiarize yourself with the campus. You can also talk to alumni or current students and get to know more.

• Research:

Many students often wait to find the college. If you want to find a college that is a good match for you, you will have to research a lot. Do not rush the process, but at the same time, don’t sit back and wait. Ask questions, and find out as much as you can. This will make you be more confident in your choice.

Here are a few more pointers:

• Make an excel sheet with your list of colleges to make them easier to compare.

• Don’t rely heavily on college rankings.

• Attend college fairs.

• Keep an open mind.

I hope this article has helped you. Don’t stress too much about finding the best college, and have fun with the experience. Good luck!

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Shilpa Munjuluri is a junior in high school. She absolutely loves to read and draw. Currently, she stays in India. She is working towards a career in animation where she can be creative and bring joy to many.