Choosing the right college can be overwhelming when there are so many options available! There are many factors to consider when thinking about which one will be the right fit for you. It’s where you’ll spend the next four years after all.
While there are lots of tools available, we’re also here to help make this process as smooth as possible with five questions you can ask yourself when making a college decision:
1. Think ahead: What do I want out of my college experience?
It’s important to reflect on the things you wish to get out of your college experience. Do the college’s mission and values align with your own values and beliefs? Are the class sizes something that would be a productive learning environment for you? Are there groups on campus you feel like you could be involved with? This question is all-encompassing about your college experience and what you believe will make it the best all-around experience!
2. How did I feel on my college visit?
One of the best ways to get a good feel of a college is to visit! On your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to speak with current students, faculty, and administrators. You’ll also get to check out the campus and see what the college has to offer in person. After visiting, it’s important to reflect on how you felt during your tour. What was the vibe? Was it somewhere you see yourself? Great! If not, that’s okay too!
3. Is the location somewhere I can thrive?
Something you can do while you’re in town on your college visit is take some time to tour the general surrounding area. Is the area somewhere you could see yourself being happy? Does the location have off-campus things to do that interest you? It’s important to get involved on campus, but it’s also important to have the option to get involved in the things that interest you in the community, too!
4. Are there clubs or activities where I can be involved?
Getting involved and finding a sense of belonging on campus will 100% contribute to a positive college experience in the long run. Looking at social media accounts of groups on campus can help you get a firsthand account of what each group is involved with on campus.
5. Does the college have the majors I want?
It’s helpful to take a look at what course offerings and major programs a college have and if they interest you, even if you're undecided. Choosing a college with several programs that interest you can give you the opportunity to explore different areas of study before declaring a major. You've got time.
Then what?
After you've narrowed your choices down, it's time to apply. Here's how to apply to Rockhurst.
Related: When should I apply to college?, Parents: How to help your student through the application process
