What To Consider When Deciding on Colleges
For many Gen Z students, college is fast approaching, and for those of us that plan on going, thoughts about it are whirling around in our minds. From college decisions to majors to living situations, it can be very overwhelming, and some of us are still piecing it together. And that is okay. Decisions about college are not to be made lightly. It impacts your entire life and therefore requires patience, time, and honesty with yourself. There are also different factors to consider when deciding, to ensure you are in an environment where you are comfortable.
What is the college known for?
One of the biggest questions you should ask is what the college is known for. This is not only important to tell if the school is the right place for you, but it also gives insight into the atmosphere of the school, which we will get into more later. Some colleges are known for art, academics, or sports, and even though most offer opportunities for all, most are oriented around one. Based on your interests and future career aspirations, you may choose a college that will benefit you and your goals. Keep in mind that most colleges are not known for more than one thing.
The largest university in the United States is the University of Central Florida (Campus photographed above). It has around 72,000 students!
What size?
The size of a college can impact how you feel about learning there. Depending on what learning situation you work best in, it may be good to look into how big or small the school and classes are. Some people work best in small environments, with fewer people and more one-on-one time with professors, and others may prefer larger classrooms with more students and larger class discussions. A good way to explore which works better for you is to think about your high school’s size. Do you think the size worked well for you? Did you ever wish it were bigger or smaller? Which classes, in terms of size, did you learn best in and feel the most comfortable in?
Where is it?
This may seem like a no-brainer, but one of the worst things you could probably do is apply to a college with no idea what it is like there. Take into consideration that you will have to live in this area, which could possibly be very different from where you are used to living. Things like how far you’ll be from friends and family, climate, the atmosphere of the area (busy or quiet), and the cost of living, should be looked at, depending on the type of person you are. Remember that you are not only going to be there for school, but you’re also living there, and most likely for a few years, so be sure to put yourself in an environment where you’ll feel safe and happy.
Try to be honest with yourself when it comes to this.
Are you qualified and can you afford it?
Schools like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology are expensive and highly selective.
This question definitely requires the most honesty and is one of the most important. Identifying your strengths and weaknesses can help you determine what colleges you actually have a chance at. Sorting out your expenses can help determine if you will be able to afford to go to that school. This is something you will most likely do with assistance from your counselor and your parents (if they are financially supporting you). Fortunately, depending on when you apply, you may be able to improve on your qualifications and apply for scholarships in order to afford to go. Asking yourself this can be hard because it may feel discouraging to have to set your sights lower if you fall short in some areas, but it is better to be somewhere that is right for you in every way.
What are the social culture and demographics like?
Another question to ask is what the culture of the schools you are looking at is like. For example, some schools have a big party culture. This is something to look at if party culture is something important to you or if it is something you do not care for. The demographics of the school may also be important to many, particularly those from marginalized groups. Many people from marginalized groups may find that going to a college with someone else from the same community as you is a very good thing. Not only would it be nice to have someone that understands specific things as you regarding that community in a way outsiders may not, but you may also feel safer.
How will you benefit from going here?
The next question to ask is how will this college benefit you. Is this good for what you plan to major in? Does the school give you opportunities to improve and to take steps towards your future? These are some good factors to consider, along with how they help students in regards to mental health and their safety. You want to go to a college that has your best interest at heart and is preparing you for the future.
There are many more factors to consider when choosing a college and they are important. Remember that this is your decision to make and no one else’s; do not put too much pressure on yourself.
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About [University of Central Florida]
