Choosing a college can be difficult because there are so many choices and factors that you have to consider. Choosing the right college is crucial because it ensures that you will be happy over the next four years. The right college increases your chances of landing a good internship and career opportunities and ensures that you graduate on time. You will then be staying at one institution instead of transferring to an institution where the credits might not be transferable.
Being aware of the common mistakes that students make when choosing a college will make it less likely that you will make those mistakes as well.
- Not Talking to a College Admissions Consultant
College admissions consultants are experts in helping students like you choose a college. Talking to college admissions consultants will help you a lot if you are a first-generation college student. The consultants will help you consider financing options and other important factors. For example, many first-generation college students do not know that federal aid does not cover all costs. The students will make them need to resort to a private loan that requires a co-signer, and they would have to pay for textbooks out-of-pocket.
- Only Applying to One Dream School
The ideal situation would be for you to get into your dream school. However, you are solely responsible for the effort, not the outcome. Even if you have the grades, test scores, extracurriculars, and other factors, there is no guarantee that the college admissions office will accept you. You should apply to five or six schools or at least three schools if you cannot afford the application fees. Your best bet is to apply to two dream schools, two target schools, and two safety schools. Applying to several schools will only help you, not jinx your chances of getting into your dream school.
- Choosing a College Only Because Someone in Your Family Went There
The college that was for your parent, sibling, cousin, etc. may not be the college for you. This fact is true, especially if they attended many years ago and had a different area of study than you. You should always consider your field of study and your own needs and wants when choosing a college.
- Only Looking at Colleges Your Friends or Significant Other is Looking At
The college that is for your friends or significant other may not be for you. College is a significant decision that will dictate your future employability and financial stability. Therefore, you need to keep yourself front and center in the decision, not your friendships or romantic relationship. Besides, people change when they get to college and all the time. Consider the worst scenario: you choose a college solely because your friends or significant other is going there. Then you end up not talking anymore or breaking up during the first year you are there. Now you have to deal with the drag of transferring because that college was not the one for you.
- Not Visiting Before Applying
Websites provide a plethora of information about a college you like. You might be a local who knows about the college too. However, you will not get the vibe of the school unless you visit there. Visiting is especially vital if you plan on living on campus because you will need to look at the quality of the dorms, the dining options, and campus safety.
