The College Whisperer™ | Navigating The Road To College

D-Day: The College Decision

Posted by College Connection on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 Under: College Admissions

As the deadline for accepting college admissions approaches (May 1 for most schools), now would be a good time to revisit our previous post, You're In! Now What?

Take a good look, a deep breath, and then, it's first star to the right and straight on 'til morning! [Or was that the second star? Hmmm...]
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You're In! Now What?

Posted by College Connection on Wednesday, April 6, 2011 Under: College Admissions

WOW! You made the cut. You've gotten into college - several of them, actually. Congrats! Now comes what you thought would be the easy part: deciding where to spend the next four years of your life.

Hmmmm. Decisions, decisions...

Our friends at University Language Services have some sound advice to help you make that all-important decision. Read on...

The daunting application process has paid off, and now you can relax - sort of.

These colleges may have chosen you, but how do you choose a college? If you have no particular favorite in mind, then you have a little more work to do (sorry!). Luckily, we have some advice on how to choose the right college out of all those terrific options:

1. Return to each campus.

Take another tour, attend another informational meeting, ask more college visit questions and meet more students. Pay attention to how you feel on the campus now that you know you're accepted, and whether or not you can see yourself meshing with the social setting on campus. Many colleges even offer prospective students the chance to do overnight college visits, which let you experience sleeping in a dorm, visiting what's off-campus or even attending courses.

2. Double-check each college's majors and requirements.

It has been a long time since you sent in your applications. You may have liked one college more than another back in the fall, but what about now? Consider what you want from your college academics now, and which college matches your goals closest. Get these questions answered (for the second time, if necessary):

  • Would one college be able to accommodate your interests more than another?
  • Is one college more flexible about changing majors, double-majoring, or letting you take a variety of classes?
  • What majors does each college specialize in?
  • How attentive is the faculty?
  • How big are the classes?

3. Compare financial aid packages.

Talk to your parents about how to choose the right college based on financial feasibility. What has each college offered you in terms of financial aid or scholarships? Are there work-study options? Feel free to contact each college's financial aid office for more information, but go in informed.

4. Think about it.

Really think about how to choose the right college by answering these questions:

  • Where can you see yourself getting the most out of your courses?
  • Where can you see yourself living, working and eating for 4 years?
  • Where can you see yourself feeling comfortable on campus?
  • Where can you see yourself making the greatest friends?
  • Where do you see yourself going, career-wise and otherwise, after 4 years?
  • Where can you see yourself being happiest?

I know everyone has said this to you already, but college truly is the greatest time of your life. How to choose the right college depends on you and your values, so consider carefully and choose wisely...

As always, your COLLEGE CONNECTION counselor is here to help, in the college decision process, on the financial aid front, and in making college a wonderful experience, for both students and parents alike.

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Plan. Prepare. Prevail!

The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of The College Whisperer, the authors of referenced articles and websites, and such guest bloggers as may appear.
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In : College Admissions 



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