Your experience as a college student will directly reflect the amount of time and effort you invest in selecting the college or university that represents the “best fit” for you. And remember, while there are abundant online resources to help you assess your options, there’s still no substitute for actually spending time on a college campus.
To help you decide which Presbyterian-founded college or university is right for you, consider the following items carefully and use them as a template to evaluate the type of programming and environment that will ensure a great college experience:
Size (overall enrollment, classes)
Distance from home (transportation options)
Setting (rural, small town, big city)
Curriculum/majors (and flexibility)
Co-curricular options (facilities/activities)
Diversity—students and faculty
Support resources (academic, personal health)
Room & board options (single, double, quad)
Social/political/faith climates
Estimated cost (after financial aid is awarded)
Value (return on your investment)
Does it feel right to you?
Preparation Timeline
Planning should begin as early as 9th grade:
Your courses begin to matter: opt in for an academic or college prep curriculum
Develop good study habits and time management strategies
Consider future volunteer opportunities and participation in school activities
If you haven’t already done so, start saving for college
Identification of your preferences and potential matches should begin in 10th grade:
Begin gathering info from people you know (family, neighbors, teachers, coaches)
Get a feel for online resources (guides, search engines, student reviews)
Take the PSAT to assess strengths/weaknesses; develop a plan to address them.
Create a “consideration set” of 15 to 20 possible options.
Matching interest/needs begins in 11th grade:
Talk to students—in person and online—to see what they say about their schools.
Make use of online self-assessments, video campus tours, college guides
Re-evaluate your consideration set and remove schools that don’t offer a potential “best fit”
Arrange visits to your “best fit” schools; attend classes and stay overnight if possible
Your senior year is for closing the deal:
Apply to your “best fit” schools regardless of cost (you can worry about paying the bill later)
Review acceptances; request financial aid estimates; determine your actual cost-of-attendance.
Keep your options open…always have a back-up plan (for admission and financial aid)
Conduct your final evaluation—including the actual cost of attendance—make your decision
Be ready to commit by May 1st – to lock-in your place and secure your financial aid package
Ten questions to ask
Why do I want to go to college?
College can be a natural next step or something that feels forced. Many students take a “gap year” before enrolling just to better understand themselves and how college can help them achieve both career and life goals. College can be a great experience—if you’re ready for it academically and personally.
What do I hope to accomplish?
Picture yourself, four years from now, in a cap and gown with a diploma in hand. What do you want to have accomplished? Of course, you’ll have your degree — but along the way you may want to study abroad, participate in sports, experience the arts, and meet people with different backgrounds and experiences. Remember, your degree is just one part of the overall college experience.
What factors are most important to me?
Identify and rank your priorities. What are your must-haves? What are your deal breakers? Do you want to study close to home or far away? Do you want to be in a big city or a small town? Do you want a comprehensive university experience, or a more intimate small college experience? Is it possible to graduate debt-free? What types of academic and extracurricular experiences do you value?
What environment will help me thrive—academically, socially, personally?
Before settling on a ZIP code, think about the setting that makes you feel most alive. Some students enjoy the energy of a big city while others prefer immediate access to the great outdoors. Visualize yourself in a variety of locations. Think about what it would be like to live, study, and work there. Do you see yourself thriving?
What academic programs appeal to me at this point in my life?
Many students enter college without a specific major in mind. However, even if you’re undecided, think about which majors you’d be interested in exploring and whether you’ll have the flexibility to do so. Of course, if a school doesn’t have academic programs that appeal to you in the first place, it’s probably not a good fit.
What type of classroom experience/environment will help me succeed?
Class sizes matter greatly. After all, you’ll be spending much of your four years learning, sharing, and growing with your peers inside classrooms. Ask yourself whether you’d prefer more frequent opportunities to spend one-on-one time with a professor—either during office hours or research projects—or if you are the type of person who can thrive in larger classes with limited support from graduate assistants.
What will I do when I’m not in class (which is most of the time)?
Academics are only one part of the college experience—so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to experience sports, clubs, and many other activities taking place on and around your campus. Whether you’re passionate about performing arts, physical fitness, or multicultural events, identifying your specific co-curricular interests will help you narrow down whether a school offers everything you’ll need.
What type of housing option do I want?
Do you plan to live at home, on campus, or find your own off-campus accommodations? If you’ll be living in a residence hall, think about whether you’d rather live solo (and pay more) or share space with roommates. Carefully research housing options to decide if they align with your preferences and budget.
What type of campus community do I want to be part of?
Think about the kind of community that will be both challenging and comfortable for you. Research the demographics of the campus, find out what clubs and organizations are popular, read the student newspaper to get an insider’s perspective, or catch a sporting event during your visit. Taking these steps can give you a glimpse into the school’s social/political/faith climate. Again, what type of community will help you thrive?
Now what?
Do your homework. Think about your preferences. Research your options. Identify possible matches. And never rule out any college or university until you know how much financial aid you’ll receive. Schools that appear to be very expensive will often end up costing you only a fraction of their published price.
