How to Choose the Right College

Seniors, it's that time of year; college applications time! No doubt we're all busy researching colleges, writing admissions essays, and filling out applications to send just in time for those deadlines. However, with so many colleges and an abundance of choices of where to attend, how does one choose the right college? It can be difficult decision, one that can define the rest of your life. The first step is to decide what you want to study. What interests you and what career do you see yourself in for the rest of your life? One you discover what it is you want to do, then research the colleges that have your interests as a major to study. Figure out which college has been acclaimed or is famous for the study programs that can get you into the career field you want to get into. For example, if you want to become a lawyer and study law, Harvard is a good school for law, with many famous lawyers serving as professors at the school. Next, decide whether you want to remain in your state close to home or go out of state. Perhaps you feel more comfortable staying close to your family and if that’s the case, then you should narrow your school choices to those schools that are in your state. However, if you want to go out and explore the world, then you should pay particular attention to out of state schools. Finally, the cost of the school should be the final factor in your decision. Calculate how much federal financial aid you will receive and choose the college you can better afford. Don’t forget that schools will also give you money to study at their schools, so while cost shouldn’t be the only factor in deciding your college choice, it should the last factor in your quest for college.