Choosing the Right College for You

If you’re a high school junior or senior, you’ve likely spent time thinking about your future. If you plan on going to college, it’s important that you end up at a school that will support you and your aspirations.

Higher education is an investment, so it’s smart to research which school will best serve you. Many students apply to anywhere between four and 12 colleges. Here are some tips as you begin to navigate the application process.

The benefits of higher education

For some high schoolers, it may be tempting to enter the workforce right after graduation. But, a college education will ensure a higher earning potential and more opportunities.

Aside from an education, colleges introduce students to independent living, networking, time management, and critical thinking.

Types of schools

Depending on your needs and lifestyle, there are many types of schools to choose from.

Four-year colleges and universities

Four-year universities are bigger than colleges and offer undergraduate, professional and graduate programs. Four-year colleges focus on undergraduate studies. Both colleges and universities grant bachelor’s degrees.

Four-year colleges and universities also consist of public or private schools. Public universities receive financial support from the state  while private schools receive funds from tuition and donations. Public schools tend to be larger and less expensive than private schools.

Community and junior colleges

Community and junior colleges offer two-year associate degree programs. They’re usually less expensive than four-year schools and have less stringent admissions criteria. Upon completion, a student can enter the workforce or transfer to a four-year school to earn a bachelor’s degree.

Vocational and technical training schools

Vocational and technical training schools are privately owned and operated. They focus on teaching the skills required to get a job in a specific field. The program can range anywhere from five months to three years, depending on the field of study. Some common fields of study are computer technology, cosmetology, and mechanical repair.

How to decide on a school

Connect with your counselor 

Parents, teachers, and counselors are among your best resources. We recommend setting up time to talk about college with your counselor. Counselors exist for this very reason.

At BlueSky, we provide students with an individualized support team. They are all there to help to guide students as they navigate these important decisions. Counselors are always available to connect with. They have the experience and resources to further help students make a decision.

Counselors can give recommendations based on your academic record and other interests. They can also help you navigate the application and financial aid process.

Once you’ve received each admission decision, reconnect with your advisor to discuss the pros and cons of each school. For example, the school with the best financial aid offer may not have a campus culture that best fits you.

Attend college fairs

College fairs are events where students can meet admissions representatives from different universities. This gives students a chance to explore their options and compare schools. Students can ask about admissions, financial aid, extracurriculars, and more. At the fair, take notes, ask questions and visit all the information booths that interest you. This is a great way to further determine which schools are the best fit without visiting the campus.

To find college fairs near you, explore the National College Fairs Program. 

Make a college list

After you’ve done some preliminary research, make a list of schools that interest you. Try to include both safety and reach schools. Aim for a list of 10-15 schools that fit within your guidelines.

What to look for in a school

Don’t skip out on researching different schools. You can find most information that you need online. This is a sure way to rule out schools that won’t be a good fit.

Location

For many students, location is one of the most significant factors in choosing a college. This may be due to proximity to family or wanting to explore a new city.

Some students prefer to be in a major city, while others would do best in a small-town. Some students prefer sticking close to home, while others want to explore a new place.

Small college towns often have more of a sense of community. It may be easier to meet peers and build relationships with professors. In contrast, schools in large cities are closer to activities and major companies.

It’s also important to determine whether you want to stay in state or go out of state. Location will impact the cost of tuition. Attending a local school will get you in-state tuition. Minnesota residents can also attend schools in Wisconsin, North Dakota and South Dakota for in-state tuition through the state’s tuition reciprocity program.

Available majors

When applying to colleges, you can either apply to a specific area of study or apply as an undecided major. Your college major is a specialized area of study. Many of the classes you’ll take in college will be in your major or related to it.

If you don’t know what you want to study, you have time to try different classes before committing to a major. Most of the time, you don’t have to declare a major until the end of sophomore year or the beginning of junior year.

If you do apply as an undecided major, consider schools that have many available majors. This way, when you decide on a major, you won’t have to transfer schools to receive a quality education.

But, if you have an idea of what field you’re interested in, make sure to look at schools with good programs in that area. If you want to study engineering, consider schools with reputable engineering programs. If you don’t know what career interests you, narrow your interests into categories, like STEM, nursing, or education. Then, research what degree levels each school offers. Some schools stand out at the graduate level, with strong professional programs. If you plan to attend graduate school, your major can prepare you for what’s next.

Your major is not the end-all-be-all when it comes to your future success. Many people end up pursuing careers unrelated to their major.

Academic quality

Get a sense of each school’s academic quality by looking at BestColleges’ rankings. Next, check that the college is accredited. Then, see whether individual academic departments have accreditations by professional organizations.

School size

Colleges and universities range from small liberal arts colleges to large state universities. Student populations can range from less than 1,000 students to more than 30,000.

Small colleges are those that enroll under 5,000 students. At a small campus, students can get to know each other and build relationships with faculty. For others, a small campus can feel limiting. though some public colleges and universities also offer a small campus environment. Keep in mind that a small campus does not mean a low student-to-faculty ratio.

While small schools may not offer as many programs, they often provide specialized degrees and hands-on learning. Small schools offer more individual attention, but may not offer the same activities. Small colleges can also mean smaller classes, allowing you to access one-on-one support.

Mid-size campuses enroll 5,000-15,000 students. They offer a balance between the intimacy of a small school and the variety of activities at a large campus. When researching mid-sized campuses, consider the student-to-faculty ratio, academic options, and location.

Large campuses enroll more than 15,000 students, though some enroll over 50,000. While a large campus can be overwhelming for some students, for others it’s an opportunity for new experiences. Large universities tend to offer more classes, majors, and research opportunities. They also often maintain well-stocked libraries, state-of-the-art research facilities, and recognized sports teams.

While big universities usually have more activities, they also have larger classes. Introductory classes can be large, which some students find overwhelming. But, as students begin to take more upper-level courses, class sizes get smaller.

Extracurricular activities

Growth happens outside of the classroom, too. Some schools offer scholarships for students based on their extracurricular interests.

Considering each school’s extracurriculars matters because not all schools have the same opportunities.

At many schools, undergraduates can pledge fraternities or sororities. Greek life offers students a sense of community and service opportunities. Most universities have intramural sports, giving students of any ability a chance to play. Some schools offer more niche sports, like golf, lacrosse, or crew. If you play a sport and want to continue at a recreational level in college, this is a great option.

Outside of sports, schools may offer music clubs, radio stations, or theater productions. There are often a variety of student-led special interest clubs, too. If you have a niche hobby, research whether the school has a club for it.

Cost and financial aid 

Researching the costs and financial aid options of each school is key. This may make or break your ability to attend a certain school. Of course, some students may not need to worry about costs, but for many, it’s the most important factor.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average public university costs $20,000 per year. Often, going to school in-state will cost less than out-of-state tuition.

For many students, cost is a major factor in the college search. Make sure the school fits your budget after accounting for expenses. Aside from tuition, fees, and boarding, you must also consider the area’s cost of living.

Financial aid can lower your tuition, and sometimes even cover it. Start by filling out the FAFSA to determine if you qualify for Federal Student Aid. Visit the Department of Education for more federal financial aid resources.

Some schools offer academic scholarships to further offset the cost of tuition. Contact the advisors at each potential school about available fellowships, grants, and work-studies.

After applying to colleges, you must wait for acceptance letters. Besides the FAFSA, you can receive financial aid packages from individual schools.

The application process

Try to apply to four to 12 schools, depending on their budget. You can divide schools into “reach,” “target,” and “safety” schools. Reach schools are those that may be the most difficult to get into. These are schools where your SAT or ACT score is lower than the average score range of last year’s first-year class. Match schools are those where your SAT or ACT score is in the same score range as last year’s first-year class. Safety schools are the ones that you have the highest chance of acceptance. Your SAT or ACT score should be higher than the average score range of last year’s first-year class. To increase your chance of acceptance, it’s best to apply to three reaches, two matches, and one safety school.

That said, some students know what school they want to attend and don’t want to apply to more than one school. Application fees can add up.

When do you have to decide on a college?

There are two instances in which you have to make this decision. First, when applying, you must decide which and how many schools to apply to. Most students apply to several colleges, though many have a top choice. Then, when you’ve received your admissions decisions, you must decide which offer to accept. National Decision Day is May 1. Students must submit an acceptance and deposit to attend their chosen school.