What’s The Right School For You?

Each of us has a way of deciding what's good for us and a method of making choices that might have lasting effects. If you think athletics is a top criterion, then you're probably going to want a school with a big sports program. If the social scene (or wild college party scene) is important, a campus with a big Greek system might work for you. When trying to find a college that is right for you, there are quite a few things to keep in mind.

Try to imagine what you value most when considering the college admission process. If you're looking for a top college, consult a respected publication and see what the college rank is for your potential major. Most top colleges have a diverse group of people with a wide range of lifestyles. Some college admission guides will explain the culture of the campus and give you an idea of what to expect.

If the cost for a top college and university is something important in your decision, then help with financial aid, fees, and total tuition are more than likely important factors in your final decision. A college rank in the top-twenty doesn't necessarily mean it's expensive, and the opposite is true for some schools with expensive prices - you don't really get more for your money.

Other aspects - such as location, college admission requirements, religious affiliation, curriculum, and class size - might factor into your choice as well. Once you have filtered down a workable list of potential top colleges, put them into your own ranking system. Try to evaluate a college's rank on what you value most, and then decide based upon this. If at all possible, visiting the school's campus and asking administrators questions about majors, lifestyle, class sizes, etc. will give you a true perspective. Most students are genuinely surprised at the difference they see in actually stepping onto a campus - sometimes good, sometimes not so good. After all, would you rather buy something from a catalog or have a chance to try it on for size? That's all part of the becoming an adult part - making smart and mature decisions.

So, when filling out your college applications, try to imagine what the best possible fit for you might be. Since you're the one getting the education by college admission, take the time to make a good, informed choice. If you want a wild college party, then make that choice. If you meet the college admission requirements for a top college, consider it a great opportunity that is worth taking. At the end of it all, the best choice will be the campus that fits best with your lifestyle and desires. And the choice you make will reflect who you are and who you want to be as a person. It's Ok if your "top-twenty" is different than everyone else's, because everyone else won't be going to school with you.