Selecting the college that is right for you, as a student, will tremendously influence your future direction, whether that includes your education or those things in life that will happen after your schooling is complete; the college you attend will also influence your personal growth, relationships with friends and fellow students, and your experiences there while attending. With thousands of colleges from which to choose, selecting a college can be an overwhelming prospect; however, you can eliminate some of that stress and anxiety by considering several essential factors that will help you choose the college that is the best fit for your academic aspirations and other personal considerations.

All students have personal interests and career goals when they start their search for the right college. Each college has the potential to provide education and opportunities in a student’s area of interest; however, not all colleges have equal sized departments or equal size and type of programs for students who require a particular area of study (i.e., engineering) to assist them in developing their personal skills, while students interested in the artistic field (i.e., performing arts) may consider different program options when making a decision about which college is best for them based on their interests/needs. Other factors that need to be taken into consideration are the number of students that are attending an individual school, the accessibility of the professors (your ability to meet with them when you have questions) and the overall style of learning at an institution  (lecture versus hands-on learning).

The next component considered when selecting a school is how well the college environment fits the student. There are many colleges out there to choose from, and they can be significantly different in terms of geographic location, campus environment or type of environment, and size/number of students enrolled. Some students do well in large state universities with thousands of students enrolled and lots of activities available to them, whereas many students are likely better suited to a school with a small student body where they’re able to build strong relationships with their professors and fellow students. The campus location is also important; urban campuses provide many internship and cultural opportunities, while rural campuses offer a quieter and more focused college experience. If possible, students should visit colleges to help determine whether a college provides an environment in which they will feel comfortable and supported.

Financial considerations are very important when students and their families are considering a college. Tuition, fees, housing, and other expenses can really add up, and it’s important for both students and their families to know how much college they can realistically afford. In addition to examining the sticker price for colleges, parents and students must consider things like the financial aid packages offered by each college, available scholarships, and prospective student loan debt. In some cases, a college that provides a lot of financial assistance may be better for a student than a more expensive college that provides less financial aid, potentially allowing for a lesser degree of long-term financial stress.

Beyond academics and finances, students must also consider what other ways are available on campus and through their extracurricular activities will enhance their overall college experience, including: clubs, sports, internships, leadership opportunities, etc. All of these activities contribute to building skills that will benefit them now and in the future. For example, a student studying journalism probably wants a school that has an active student newspaper, whereas someone who enjoys volunteering probably wants a college that has a strong volunteer program. Activities such as these not only make college more enjoyable, but they also help develop oneself and prepare for a future career.

Greek organizations, like sororities or fraternities have a major impact on how your college experience will be shaped as well as influencing which college you will attend, so when you are deciding on which college is best for you, think about how Greek life will play into your overall experience. Sororities are based upon sisterhood, leadership, community service and are a great way to give you an instant social network that is built-in. If you are like many students, joining a sorority is one way to create that sense of belonging and feeling of connection to others on campus during the transition into college. A significant benefit of joining a sorority is the development of friendships that often last a lifetime because members live together, study together and do many social activities together. A lot of times, sororities help many of their members develop their academic success by encouraging the development of good study habits and by providing mentors in older members of the sorority to encourage you academically. With both social and academic support, you have the motivation to succeed while staying engaged in the college experience. In addition to the academic and social support that sororities give, they give you opportunities for leadership through serving in executive board positions or as an event planner; developing skills such as communication and teamwork and organizational skills are all part of these experiences. Sororities are also heavily involved in community services through organizing fundraisers and volunteering within the community to support charities. This focus on service is another meaningful way for students to contribute back to their communities and make a difference.

Another area to consider is the support services offered by the college. Colleges offering academic advising, mental health services, career guidance and tutoring can help students be successful and feel good about themselves. Having strong support systems in place during this difficult transition to college will be essential for students in overcoming both academic and personal barriers.

Ultimately, selecting a college is a decision that is personal to each student based on his or her own values and priorities. There is no one “best” college for all students, because what may work for one student may not necessarily work for another. By doing their own research and reflecting on their own goals, students can find a college that will feel like the best place for them to go. Good luck to all the seniors!! Wherever you are meant to be is where you will end up!