Criteria for Choosing a College

Choosing the right college to attend is extremely important.  This choice shouldn’t be based on the fact that your best friend is going there, what fraternities or sororities are available or because that’s where “so-and-so” went when they were your age.  It’s not a coin toss, it’s a process!

Begin by researching…you!

In order to find the right fit school, you need to know where you will be the most comfortable.  Take an honest look in the mirror.  Don’t ask yourself where your parents or friends would think you’d be the most comfortable but where you feel you’d really fit in.  Would you be lost on a large campus or would you thrive with the abundance of activities?  Does the Greek System appeal to you?  What about a designated quiet dorm?  How do you best study?  Curled up on your bed or sitting in the library?  Do you want a lot of one on one access to your professors or access to study groups?  Do you know what you want to study or do you want to see what interests you?  Are you more of a math/science person or a creative liberal arts type?  Taking an honest look at who you really are (not who your parents expect you to be) will help narrow your search to the right school.  Remember, you are the one that’s going to be living it!

Research between 6-10 colleges.

It’s easiest to narrow down your selections if you have an idea as to your field of study.  If you’ve always wanted to be an engineer then focusing on schools with strong engineering programs is a likely criteria.  Many incoming freshmen though have no idea what they want to study so also take into account location.  Be true to who you are, if you are someone who hates the 7 months of gray skies and rain, consider schools in the southwest.  Can you picture yourself living there for at least four years?

We’ve all heard of the labels associated with certain schools (often these labels are perpetuated by rival school alumni).  Here in my Bothell office, I have a Husky and a Cougar and believe me, there are definitely labels flying around!  The trash talking is fun when it’s light-hearted.  But when it comes to your future, don’t blindly listen to the labels – do your own research and make your own decision.  Who knows, maybe that “party school” is exactly the right fit for you!

Don’t let cost scare you away.

Explore all your options.  There are many forms of financial aid that might make college more affordable, such as scholarships, grants and installment plans.  Do your research, apply, then make your decision.

Expand your research to include out-of-state colleges.

Colleges want geographic diversity.  Having students from all over the US enriches the experience for everyone.  When you’re applying to private schools in the Midwest or East Coast you’ll be one of the few from the state of Washington and you’ll have an edge over applicants who live relatively close to the college in question.

Geographic diversity can pay off for you.

Scholarships are partly a function of supply and demand.  On the West Coast there are a lot of students competing for a few colleges, and most of the students you’re competing with are also from the West Coast.  By heading east you have two things going for you:  #1 there are a lot more colleges competing for students, and #2 you’re a minority!

Consider colleges of all sizes.

Consider your own personality.  What environment will you succeed?  Larger schools are great because of all the activities, opportunities and diversity that can be found there.  Smaller schools are great because class sizes are typically smaller, and you may have better access to your professors and the resources you may need. 

Take into consideration your own personal preferences.

This is important if you have a desire to attend a college that has a population of a particular minority, religion, culture or background. 

Visit as many college campuses as possible.

This will give you a good feel about housing, atmosphere, campus activity and scholastics.

Seek Advice

Choosing a college is your choice, but don’t be afraid to counsel with parents, school counselors and other trusted individuals.

Crystal Anderson is the president of Crystal Clear College Planning, which helps Seattle-area families plan financially and academically for college. Learn more about our free local workshops on planning for college.