How to Pick a College That Is Best for You

Attention high schoolers: picking the right college for you is a huge decision, and it’s never too early to start narrowing down your choices.
There are roughly 4,300 colleges in the U.S., so it’s no surprise that college-bound students struggle to find a place to receive higher education. Finding the right college can be stressful, especially if you’re deciding between several colleges. Before you lose your cool, check out some of these tips that will help you narrow down your choices:
Choose between a big or small school: Size makes a big difference in your college experience. If you liked going to a small high school, choosing a liberal arts college with a population of less than 4,000 may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you felt like you couldn’t really branch out at your high school, choosing a large state school could be right for you.
Decide if moving away from home is best for you: Moving away from home for college is a great way to gain a sense of independence, but not all college students are ready to leave the nest. If you’re already self-sufficient, going to an out-of-state school should be no problem. But if you are a person who works best with warm familial support, consider finding a college that is close to home.
Never be afraid to apply to your dream school: Colleges and universities admit more students than they reject, so the odds are in your favor. I’m not saying that you can get into Harvard with 2.0 grade point average, but you’d be surprised of how many colleges can be the right fit for you if you just apply. Talk to your guidance counselor and review your options.
Don’t disregard a school because of its sticker price:If you thought ruling out some colleges based on their cost was a good idea, think again. Some of the more pricey liberal arts colleges offer more scholarships with more money. A private school’s cost can equal that of a state school’s cost after financial aid is figured in. Be sure you talk to a financial aid representative before you make any decisions.
Look for a school that specializes in your major: If you’re already pretty certain of your major, look for a college that excels in teaching your field. Talk to your guidance counselor to find out which colleges will put you on the right career path.
Also read:
12 Liberal Arts Colleges That Are Worth the Cost of Tuition
Liberal Arts Colleges: More Affordable than you Thought?
Top 20 Up-and-Coming Universities