By Anthony T., Teen Portal Staff Writer
On April 1, 2009, all of the letters came back. The stylized letterheads and words of elation jumped off the page and into my eyes. A sly smile carved across my face. The tables had finally turned.
After months of essay writing, test taking, and waiting, my revenge had finally arrived. Like some high school seniors, I was fortunate enough to receive acceptances from more than one school. Now, it was my turn to make the decision. But despite the relief and elation, it hasn’t been so easy to make the decision: Where should I choose to spend the next four years of my life? There are many different factors to take into account: academics, overall campus life, and financial aid. However, here are the some of the methods I have employed to choose my school:
Visit the Campuses Again
One of the best ways to decide which school is right for you is to visit its campus. Whether it’s your first time or fourth time visiting, being immersed in campus life will help you make a final decision. Many schools have preview days or accepted students days showcases. During these events you might be able to sit in on different classes or go on a dorm tour. You can even opt to stay overnight with a current student.
Review Web Sites
College websites have tons of information that can help you form your final decision. Everything from a school’s academic curriculum to dorm-room floor plans can be found on college websites. Most schools also have a separate site devoted to accepted students. Here, you can usually find information about campus visits and even forums and chat sessions with current students. Using these forums and chat sessions are a good option if you can’t directly visit the school.
Talk to Family and Friends
Sometimes, even though you may deny it, your family knows what’s right for you. Talk to both your family and friends to get their opinions. They only want the best for you, and talking it out with others will give you different perspectives.
Compile a Pro-Con List
When all is said and done and you still don’t have a decision, you might resort to making a pro-con list. This can actually help to clarify the many things you want to consider. List out different attributes for the schools on your list. For example, you might want to list pros and cons about the various dorms, campus food, and academics. Organizing your thoughts in this format can help you make a final choice.
At the end of the day, your happiness is what rides on this decision. Wherever you choose to go, just remember that you will be making a four-year commitment to that particular institution. Making sure you choose carefully the first time around will help you avoid messy transfer applications and lead you to your perfect fit.
