Do student reviews really matter when researching colleges?

I'm deep into college research and keep seeing mixed student reviews. How much weight should I give these reviews when considering where to apply? Are there certain aspects—like dorms or faculty—that are more critical to pay attention to?

Absolutely, student reviews can offer valuable insights when researching colleges, but it's also essential to take these reviews with a grain of salt. Here's the deal: student reviews are subjective. They're based on personal experiences, which can vary dramatically from student to student even at the same school. For example, one student might have had an amazing professor that made their academic experience memorable, while another might have had a less than stellar experience with a different professor in the same department.

That said, if you notice a recurring theme in the reviews—like several students talking about a lack of campus safety, poor dining hall food, or unresponsive administration—that might be a potential red flag you want to investigate further.

In terms of what aspects to pay attention to, it really depends on what you value most in a college experience. If you're someone for whom living conditions are super important, looking at reviews about dorm life might be a good call. If you prioritize the quality of academic instruction, focus on those reviews discussing faculty and academic rigor. If you're big on community and campus life, look at reviews discussing the school's environment, student body, and extracurricular activities.

However, don't stop at student reviews—be sure to gather information from diverse sources such as official college websites, college counselors, alumni, or current students you might know, to get a balanced perspective. Remember that every student's college experience is unique and will be influenced by their interests, priorities, and personal circumstances. So while student reviews can provide useful insights, they should be one of several resources in your college research toolbox.