Choosing a college will be one of the most important decisions you will make. Therefore, it’s important to start researching early on. Some of your peers might be more familiar with college process and may already have an eye on a specific college, but for a first-generation student, it can be a little more confusing.
Here are some things to consider before choosing a college:
Location of college – A beach college, city college, a college surrounded by nature, a small town bike college…where do you envision living your college years? What type of college environment will help you thrive? Additionally, what is the distance between the college of your choice and your hometown? If it’s a short distance, will you be living at home and driving to and from college (which could save you money on rent)? Perhaps, it is cheaper to live close to college? Similarly, if the college is far away from home, will you be going home every weekend? What transportation will you use to travel home? A car? A bus? Train? Carpool? Will you be able to afford to come home? It’s important to think about these questions, as approximately 70 percent of college students experience severe homesickness (English, 2017). Severe homesickness can affect your mental state and can also lead to a decline in your academics. Another factor to consider is the cost of living of the city that you will be living – food, housing, taxes, entertainment, and transportation. Since we are on the topic of transportation, how will you be commuting in town? If you can’t afford a car, can you bike? Is it a bus-friendly town? What is the likeliness that you will land an internship or a job, how will you be transporting to and from work and to and from the internship? It is in your best interest to ask these questions as you are selecting a college.
Understand the difference between a quarter and a semester system – All UCs, except for UC Berkeley and UC Merced run on a quarter system. This means that the school year is divided into three quarters (fall, winter, and spring) and each quarter you will be taking three to four classes (if you are a full-time student). Each quarter is 10 weeks. In 10 weeks, you will be expected to complete book readings, assignments, the midterm(s), and the final for each class. On the other hand, schools that are on a semester system, run for 15 weeks. In a semester system, the school year is divided into two semesters, fall and spring. It’s slower than a quarter system. Which system can you keep up with? Which system will best support your learning?
Tuition fees – Thoroughly review the tuition fees. How much is each unit? Does your financial aid package cover the costs? What about room and board? How much will be out of your pocket? Compare and contrast the best financial situation for each college that you have been accepted too.
The reputation of the college – Does the college have a reputation? Is it widely known for its veterinary field? For its technology? For it's medical field? Does the reputation of the school matter to you? What is the reputation of the school in regard to your major? This is important for some students because they have access to professors and research (maybe event equipment or internships) that they would not get in other schools.
College Clubs/Sports – If your schedule allows, make time to join clubs/sports. Clubs promote leadership skills, public speaking, socialization, as well as fun. Does the college have clubs that interest you and that will support your career/college endeavors? Are you choosing colleges based on a sport? Keep in mind that you can also start a club of your own if the school lacks a club(s) of your interest. Here are more important reasons to join a club.
Size of classes – Research the student population of the school. The higher the population, the more populated your classes will be. This means that most of your classes will include you and 499 other students. Will you thrive and learn in a class with so many students? Do you prefer smaller and more intimate classes of about 25 students or less? Smaller classes offer more socialization and conversation with your peers and the professors, but sometimes, depending on your college choice and class requirements, you might not be able to avoid large lecture classes.
Choosing a college will take reflection, some research, and a little bit of math. Don’t take this decision lightly. This is where you will live out some of your best experiences. You will meet your best friends, business partner(s), and you might even meet your spouse.
Reference
English, Tammy et al. “Homesickness and adjustment across the first year of college: A longitudinal study.” Emotion (Washington, D.C.) vol. 17,1 (2017): 1-5. doi:10.1037/emo0000235