Choosing a College That’s Right for You
Julia Fouts
In high school, teenagers are faced with many big decisions. For those who decide to attend college, the choice can be daunting. How to decide? Well, there are always a few important factors to consider when picking the college that is right for you. Size is important when determining which school to attend. The overall size of a university affects your comfort level and how well you fit in. For some people, a big school can seem overwhelming, while others feel restless in a small school. Understanding how you learn best definitely plays a role when looking at class sizes. For those who prefer one-on-one contact with the professor, a smaller school is usually the best option. Others may learn more easily in big lectures, so their choice would be a larger university. Location is another major aspect to consider when trying to make the decision. It is important to remember that college is not only a place to study, but also a place to live and call home. Whether the preference is the city-life, country life, or some where in between, it is vital to know which atmosphere fits best. Atmosphere comes from more than just the description on a map; it also relates to the culture of the school. Each college has its own “feel,” creating a unique atmosphere. There are competitive schools, which some use to push themselves, while other universities are more laid back, allowing for a relaxed learning environment. The traditions of schools and the range of students both create the atmosphere, and it is important to visit colleges in order to determine which atmosphere is best suited for you to learn and reach your full potential. Although choosing a college can be difficult and frustrating, there are ways to narrow down the choices. Size, location, and atmosphere are only a few aspects to consider when finding the perfect school. Even if you do not know what to study past high school, there are still plenty of other factors to look at when choosing the college that is right for you.
