Planning for college - what should I consider?

Hi all, I've started thinking about college and I'm wondering, what factors should I consider when planning for it? I'm talking about things like potential majors, extracurriculars, and location/preferences. Any advice is appreciated!

Hey there! It's excellent that you're starting to think about your college journey and the factors that will affect your decision. Here's a helpful list of aspects you may want to consider when planning for college:

1. Potential majors: Consider your interests, skills, and the future career paths that these majors may open for you.

2. Extracurriculars: Think about your current passions and how you can build on them in college. Some things, like a capella groups, can be found at just about any college, but if you have a more niche interest that you know you want to continue pursuing in college, it would be a good idea to hop onto the websites of the schools you're considering to check out their lists of clubs and organizations.

3. Location/preferences: Reflect on your desired learning environment (urban vs. rural, big vs. small) and consider geographical preferences, climate, distance from home, and overall culture of the surrounding area.

4. Campus culture: Look for schools with a social and academic climate that matches your preferences and values.

5. Financial aid and scholarships: Research the availability of financial aid and scholarships, as well as the particulars of each school's financial aid policies (whether your financial need will be considered during admissions, for example).

By taking these factors into consideration, you'll be better equipped to build a suitable college list and make the best decision for your future. Good luck!