Jeremy Kaplan
When it comes to applying to your dream college it’s likely you’ll be overwhelmed by choice. Colleges often send out lots of emails, brochures, and marketing messages, which can make the decision even more confusing. The process can be hard, but it’s also exciting as it marks a new beginning.
Picking the right college is truly a personal decision; it’s about what works for you. So, it’s important to carefully consider several factors before applying to lots of colleges. Also, application fees can be expensive and exhausting as you often need to submit essays. Therefore, we’ve created a list of factors to consider before you apply, so that you’re confident and happy with your college choices.
1.Seek Support
It’s frustrating when you keep repeating the pros and cons of different colleges without ever deciding on which one you prefer. Therefore, it’s important to seek support when applying, not just from parents or teachers, but from professionals who are specialists in this field. Going Ivy are experts who will guide you through the process of discovering your perfect college and, when you find it, they’ll help you with your application.
2.Location
There’s a range of campuses in urban, suburban, or rural areas, that offer different experiences. A city college will have a range of activities outside the campus, whereas rural colleges have lots of activities on campus and are ideal for outdoor adventures. Also, consider climate, do you like to be in the sun? Or would you prefer somewhere colder? Thirdly, think about how far you want to be from your family.
3.Tuition Fees
It’s important to find out the tuition fees up front, as there can be different charges for students out-of-state, and fees can affect your life after college. However, don’t let the cost hold you back from your dream college as there’s plenty of opportunities to apply for financial support. In addition, international students can apply for scholarships to study in America, as studying there is not always expensive.
4.Academic Majors
You might not know what you want to major in yet, and it’s common for people to change their mind several times throughout their time at college. If you do know your academic interests, make sure to look for colleges that specialise and rank highly in these fields. For students who don’t know what direction they want to go in, we recommend choosing a college with a wide range of programmes.
5.Campus Activities
Extracurricular activities on campus are essential to your life at college, and they have lifelong benefits, such as, increased confidence. When picking a college consider what your hobbies are and what you’ll enjoy doing after you’ve finished work. For example, think about whether they specialise in sports or if they have great facilities for theatre. Campus will be your home whilst you study there and joining in on activities can help you build friendships, which will make college a place for you to enjoy.
