College Priorities?

Hi! Junior here, looking to plan ahead for college. What do most college students prioritize? Any tips would be appreciated.

There are many different factors that college students often prioritize when choosing their school or shaping their college experience. Here are a few key considerations:

Major and Academics: Students often prioritize the strength and resources of the academic programs for their intended major or any field they think they might be interested in. This could include faculty reputation, research opportunities, number of courses, and more. For example, a student interested in engineering might look for a college that has extensive lab facilities and numerous engineering-focused research projects.

Career Services and Internship Opportunities: Access to internships and job opportunities is a key consideration. Some schools have a robust career services office that may offer job placement services and links to alumni networks, which can be invaluable when starting a career.

Location: One's priorities regarding location can vary widely. Some students may want to be in a bustling urban environment, others may prefer a quieter rural campus. Think about what suits your personality and lifestyle best, and consider factors like the climate, distance from home, and opportunities for activities that interest you (such as outdoor activities or cultural events).

Campus Culture: This can refer to the general atmosphere of a school, which can range from competitive to collaborative, conservative to liberal, athletic to artsy, etc. It is important to find a community where you feel you would belong.

Cost and Scholarships: It's important to understand the financial implications of your college choice. The sticker price of a school is not the only factor to consider, you also have to take into account any potential scholarships or financial aid programs.

On-Campus Resources: Many students prioritize schools that offer strong mental health resources, clubs and organizations, sporting events, and other on-campus resources.

These priorities can differ from student to student. What is most important is understanding what you individually value and seek in a college experience. The best way to find out is to do research, visit if possible, and talk with current students or alumni to get a sense of the environment and opportunities. Consider creating a spreadsheet or a list with these different factors and how each college you are considering ranks in those categories that are important to you.

Remember that no college is perfect in all aspects, and it's about finding the best fit for you. Hopefully, this gives you some starting points to think about what parameters to prioritize in your college search!