Choosing a college can initially seem to be a daunting task, after all, there are so many options out there. Choosing the right college to attend is one of the most important decisions of a young persons’ life.
That’s why it’s important to weigh all of the different college options appropriately; college searches are the perfect tool to do just that. The location and geographic area of the school are important because different parts of the country can offer unique opportunities. Think about outdoor activities, musical events or the advantages or disadvantages of a city vs. a campus centered environment.
The location and geographic area of the school are important because different parts of the country can offer unique opportunities.
There are many great sources out there like, Great Value Colleges, that you can find where each college is.
Before you can get into a top college or any university, for that matter, you have to decide where you want to apply.
Choosing a college during your late high school years is not easy. Matter of fact, it can be quite stressful at times.
There are some important factors for you and your parents need to consider when choosing a college during your search.
What schools you apply for obviously determines where you get in, ultimately where you decide to go to college can have a big impact on your career and future in general.
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a college during your college search is the location.
Personal Preference
Location is an important consideration when it comes to choosing a college. Each student has different preferences and ideas about where they want to spend their undergraduate years.
Some may want to live in a big city, while others want a rural setting, then the typical minded students would still want to spend their time in a traditional college town.
This can impact which schools you will apply to and which ones you will leave off your list. Additionally, you should think about how far away the school is from your hometown.
If you plan on going home a great deal, to do your laundry or something, it might be inconvenient or difficult to go to a school that is all the way on the other side of the state.
Does the university’s location excite you?
Is the campus situated in a place where you can really enjoy life for four years?
If you love the nightlife, you will not enjoy a rural college experience, and if you love peace and quiet, you may not enjoy the hustle and bustle of big city life. Choose a location that you know you can live with.
You don’t want to end up resenting your surroundings, it’ll have a negative impact on your academic performance.
When visiting a school you should take a look at all work out facilities that you will have access to. Do the facilities meet your needs and requirements?
If they are lacking in something, then are their plans in the future to either fix, build, or replace potential facilities. Depending on the sport you play these facilities can be more complex than others.
Related post: Ivy League School: What’s The Hype?
For example, a runner does not need very elaborate facilities. As long as they have a track, a few weights, and a training room then you should be fine.
Other sports require much more equipment and facilities so you should ask about the facilities available to you if you attend.
This important factor requires you to do some soul searching on your own, and decide if you want to pick a college that is close to your own home, or you are comfortably re-locating to another place for the purpose of your education.
It is better that you take a balanced call and if a good program allows for accommodation and stay, it’s a worthy investment.
Here are some of the reasons why location is important when choosing a college:
Travel Cost
Cost is always a factor in purchasing something, especially major purchases like a graduate school education. You should consider how much it is going to cost you to travel and live at each of your school choices.
You should also consider what type of financial aid assistance each school offers.
If you can obtain a full scholarship at one school, but only get student loans at another one of your choices, then you may have to take this into consideration before making your final decision.
There are plenty of other considerations to keep in mind when choosing a college.
Be sure you’ve adequately identified what it is you want from your college experience.
Do your homework, ask a bunch of questions and stay positive. You are in control of your decision. Trust your feelings and proceed with confidence.
Internship Access
There are some important factors for you and your parents to consider when deciding how to choose a college during your college search.
Where you apply influences where you get in, and where you go to college can have a big impact on your career and future in general.
One of the most important things to consider when you decide how to choose a college during your college search is:
A must read: Autistic Students: Life After High School
Do You Want to Attend a Public or a Private University?
If you want to attend college close to your side, you will have plenty of internship opportunities to choose from.
Even though you will have a diverse array of options, you can consider many different prospects when choosing where to attend college, and make an informed choice based on your personal preferences.
Future Job Market
You should take some time to research the job placement or career services that the school offers after graduation.
Since one of the reasons you are probably earning your degree is either for career advancement or to open up doors for new opportunities, you will want to know what type of help you can expect from your school after graduation.
Many grad schools list companies where their graduates work. This kind of information can also give you an idea of what opportunities may be available to you as a graduate of this particular institution.
Spending Time Outside Class
Some colleges are located near or in big cities or towns, which provides a great atmosphere for certain prospective students.
If you are looking for a wide array of social opportunities and good nightlife, you may enjoy a college closer to the city.
Colleges near big cities also offer a more diverse social experience by putting you in the real world. If a big city seems to busy for you, a more low-key college town may be more appealing.
Many colleges’ campuses are located next to towns that basically are part of the campus.
These types of towns are usually equipped with shopping, a few bars and clubs, and lots of restaurants and coffee shops.
The location of a college campus may be the deciding factor for some prospective students. If you love an area, it pretty much ensures that you will have fun in college.
With the right information in hand, you will be able to choose an institution located within a conducive environment.
Furthermore, it is important to consider the degree of safety by considering the levels of crime in and around the institution, and the crime prevention programs available.
Climate
This is personally my number one reason on why location is important. Location often accredited degree programs have a bearing on climate and safety.
Therefore, students originating from dry climate countries may find it extremely challenging studying in an institution located in high altitude or cold areas.
It is advisable to consider the weather conditions and seasonal temperatures around a particular institution before enrolling.
Campus Community
Many schools can meet your needs academically. I believe the greater challenge is in finding a school where you also feel comfortable.
Once you have selected a handful, it is critical to visit the campus.
Every college in the country seems to have a view-book with beautiful pictures of trees, buildings and smiling faces.
Be assured that schools similar on paper may be very different when you spend time on campus.
Be honest with yourself – are you really going to attend “The College for Intellectual Giants” 1,000 miles away without ever visiting?
If you are unable, or unwilling, to visit the campus, that school should be immediately removed from your list.
Why even consider a school that you will not have the time, energy, and/or money to visit?
This would be like buying a house without ever seeing it!
There are colleges and universities all over the country. Since you have to live and interact in the environment and location that the college is located, you may want to consider geographic location and the weather.
Consider checking out this post about taking an internship abroad, now there is an opportunity to experience a different culture.
Related post: These Are The Only Reasons To Internship Abroad
Maybe you would like to choose a college that is relatively close to where your family lives.
Adversely, you may wish to choose a college or university that is not located near your family.
Weather conditions are another thing that you should take into consideration.
If you hate the snow and cold weather, you may not be happy at a school that is located in the northeast or the Midwest where snow and cold weather are common occurrences.
Keep in mind that you will be living at an undergraduate school for a 4 year period, maybe longer if you go on to grad school, etc.
Pick somewhere where you feel like you fit and can live for the next few years of your life.
Yet, it is worth considering if you would prefer to go to a college in a happening big city, quaint college town, or tranquil rural community.
I tend to think that location will also influence what extracurricular activities you can enjoy OFF campus, like cultural events.
I also suggest, and maybe it’s the Californian in me- probably is, that location will influence weather and that may influence whether you like being someplace nine months of the year.
School Environment
Every campus has its own personality brought by the types of programs it offers, athletic teams, religious organizations/affiliations, students, and professors.
Finding a school that feels right often requires visiting the campus itself, if that’s not possible you can try to locate a school newspaper (look online) or ask someone who currently attends the school.
The size of a class impacts the amount of time a professor or instructor can spend with each student.
In a class of 100 students, there may not be enough time to answer all questions during a lecture, smaller class sizes tend to be better.
Try to find classes with no more than 50 students.
One benefit of a small college is smaller class sizes. At some large universities, classrooms can hold 300 students or more, which can be overwhelming for many students. Small class sizes benefit students because they have more opportunities to ask questions, contribute to discussions and get to know their professors. Another benefit of smaller classes is getting to know your classmates.
https://education.seattlepi.com/small-college-class-size-benefits-1269.html
It is also really important to look into all the aspects of campus life at a college.
If you are an active person who likes to be involved, you should look at colleges that have a lot of student body organizations.
If you enjoy sporting events and school spirit, make sure you seek out colleges who take pride in their athletic programs.
Lots of colleges offer the same majors, so things like this may be what you need to search for in a college.
Related post: After High School And No College: Now What
