It’s that time of year again, friends. Acceptance letters have been mailed and received, and now you have the daunting task of making the biggest decision of your life. What’s more is that you likely feel as though this commitment means you’re signing your name in blood and have to give away your first born child. While it’s not that extreme, it is a pretty big deal. I’m sure you’ve made list after list, compared the latest college rankings on U.S. News and World Report, mulled over several options, and had a multitude of conversations with your parents, teachers, college counselors, and friends, right? Last year we gave you three tips to help ease the decision-making process. You’ve visited schools, weighed your options, and are (somewhat) trusting the process, now what? In case you’re still unsure of where you’d like to spend the next four years of your life, take a gander at three more tips and tricks to (hopefully) lead you closer to choosing the college that’s best for you!
Breathe. Give yourself time to relax, chill out, and think. This is a huge decision, and it’s one that shouldn’t be rushed. As my mom says, “don’t make your move too soon.”
Research. Do your research and consider the location, student body, possible major(s), cost and financial aid, school size, and campus life. Most importantly (and likely the most challenging), decide if the school is the best fit, and oftentimes this is determined when you visit (I can’t reiterate this enough)!
Follow, or nah? How easy would it be to go to a school your parents or siblings attended? How easy would it be to just follow your friends or your boyfriend or your girlfriend wherever they go? Pretty easy, but let’s not. I’ve been there, I’ve done that, and let me save you the trouble (and, quite frankly, the heartbreak): DON’T DO IT! I know it’s hard, I know you love these people, but the devastating reality is that people change, relationships end, and just because that school was a great fit for someone else, doesn’t make it a great fit for you. If your relationships last, that’s awesome! They were meant to. But you can’t factor anyone else into this decision. This is a time in your life that you’ll never get back. It’s a time for you to start really figuring out who you are and who you want to be. Don’t let anyone hinder that growth.
Congratulations, seniors! You’ve made it this far, all you have to do is commit. I hope you know that wherever you go, any school would be lucky to have you!
Kermit Says... 