Things to Consider
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN APPLYING FOR COLLEGE
As you apply, and even before you apply, there are some things you should consider. We have put together some key things to keep in mind as you go through this process.
What do YOU want?
A little reflection goes a long way in helping you make decisions about college. Taking the time to really ask yourself—not your friends, not your parents—what do I want in a college?
- Are you psyched up to leave home?
- Are you feeling the pressure to go to a certain school?
- Will you like small-town life?
While there may not be a perfect college, turning your focus towards finding a school that is a good fit for you will help you feel better about your final decision.
What is YOUR learning style?
It is a good idea to consider HOW you learn as you decide WHERE to learn. If you don’t like being called or don’t enjoy being a part of class discussion, then maybe you learn better in lectures with hundreds of students. If you enjoy discussions and working with groups, then you might learn better at a college with smaller classes or an honors college with more personalized lessons.
What majors interest YOU?
This gets back to the basic question you have been asked for years—“What do you want to be when you grow up?” If you know what you want to be or, better yet, what you want to study, it makes sense to go to a school that will best prepare you for that. But if you are like many high school students, and haven’t decided on a future profession yet, make sure that you think about where your talents and interests can be best encouraged.
What activities matter to YOU?
Think about what you enjoy doing outside the classroom and look at colleges that offer the programs and activities you love. If you want to play soccer, check out the schools that offer varsity sports or intramurals. If you like the outdoors, you might want to reconsider going to school downtown Chicago.