As we talk to students and their families about college, we learn what students want, need, and are concerned about. You are probably mulling over some of the same questions right now. Choosing a university isn’t always easy. See our list below of the biggest considerations other students think about when exploring colleges.
#1. Place
Your college experience will be defined by lots of factors, and one of the most important is the environment around you. You should consider the types of recreational activities in the area, but also think about your ability to find a job or a local internship.
Think about the activities you already enjoy and the kind of things you would try if you could. Start by making a list of your must-haves, then research college locations online. With that information, create a list of colleges to visit during your junior and senior years in high school and leave time to explore the surrounding communities, too. Be on the lookout for virtual tours to take before you even arrive on campus.
#2. Learning
Of course learning is important. That’s why you’re going to college, right? But, there are a lot of ways to learn. Are you a classroom learner or do you learn by doing? Are you interested in research? Are there enrichment opportunities like honors programs or academic clubs?
There are a lot of things to consider beyond rankings when you’re comparing majors among universities. Will you be able to add a minor or double major? Does the university invest in professional academic advisors to help you stay on track? Will you have opportunities to apply what you have learned before you even graduate?
Try to contact the major or program you’re interested in at each of your potential universities. Even better, ask if current students are available to talk with you. Many universities have students ready to take your questions or provide other opportunities to connect.
#3. Community
You may be tempted to blend in and do things alone. But college is a huge opportunity to get connected with people who will support you, laugh with you, and help you branch out. Your college experience should help you learn as much about yourself as you learn about your major.
Whether you find your community in your residence hall, in the stands of a game, in a late-night study group, or your on-campus job, college is a chance to build something new. We encourage all our students to do something.
Check out what kind of communities already exist at the universities you’re considering. Then during your campus visits, ask current students about their experiences. How did they find their place on campus? What kinds of groups do they recommend looking into? Do they feel welcome voicing new opinions or ideas? Will the community at the university challenge you and contribute to your overall learning?
#4. Support
There’s a chance that the university you choose will be bigger than the school you’re attending now. That means you’ll be expected to take more responsibility for yourself as well as your studies.
So, what happens when you need a hand? Student-focused universities (like CSU!) make sure there is a safety net for you.
There are other kinds of support beyond academic, too. After noting programs like tutoring, ask about career counseling, cultural groups, health and mental health programs, new student orientations, and overall atmosphere. The university you choose shouldn’t just set you up to be successful in the classroom, but instead make sure you have the support you need for your well-being.
#5. Financial fit
Getting an education is a big investment. Too often students and families only consider tuition and scholarships when making a college choice. While those are two incredibly important factors, make sure you’re looking at the whole picture. We like to think of financial fit as a combination of cost, financial aid, payment strategies, and outcomes (AKA the money you’ll earn after graduating).
Evaluating your financial fit should start with a calculation of tuition, fees, housing, travel costs, and of course, some fun on the side. Then include other strategies to offset these costs, such as college savings, parents loans, and scholarships from outside organizations.
#6. Admissions process
The university admissions and enrollment process should be about setting students up for success once they reach campus. This can teach you a lot about the institution. Are staff available to help you make it through the process? Is the university concerned about your experiences and passions as well as your GPA?
If you want a supportive atmosphere in college, the steps you take to apply and enroll should feel like university staff are invested in your success from the start. If you want a community-oriented atmosphere, the process should encourage you to get involved and find ways you’ll contribute to the campus.
Colorado State uses a holistic review process when you apply for admission. We make the decision on more than GPA for applications that call for extra attention, and we look at you as a whole person, with complex experiences that have affected your journey. We consider rigor of courses, student experience, and trends in grades. And once you’re admitted? We’re still here for you, every step of the way.
