Gears of Decision Making: What Matters When Choosing a College?

Hey guys. I'm second-guessing my decision criteria for picking a college. Now I'm wondering, what is the most important factor when choosing a college according to you seasoned folks? What should I prioritize? Please tell me I'm not alone in this struggle.

Hi there! I completely understand your dilemma - it can be tricky to decide what to prioritize since everyone's circumstances and preferences are different. However, some common elements to consider might be academic rigor, the diversity of programs offered, the location, and the size of the school. It's also important to consider how each of these factors will impact your long-term career goals. For example, if you're planning on going into a specific field, you might want to look at schools that have strong degree programs in that area. Location may matter if you want to have internship opportunities in a certain industry, as some cities have more opportunities in certain fields.

Choosing the right college is kind of like choosing the right pair of shoes, it depends on the fit for you. A few factors to consider would be the culture of the school, class sizes, clubs available for your interests, and of course, price. It's crucial to find a school where you feel comfortable and excited to learn. You might want to think about where you see yourself succeeding and enjoying your college years.

One aspect that I think is incredibly important to consider is financial aid and cost - how much debt you might have to take on, the availability of scholarships at a given college, and your prospective return on investment (ROI). Having to struggle with student debt after graduation can make things tough. Also, consider the college’s graduation rate, job placement rate, and the average salary of its graduates. These are all indicators of how successful students are after they leave college. Good luck on your journey!