Finding a College that’s Right for You: What’s Important?

Education is what separates humans from animals, and when it comes time for you to choose an institution that’s going to provide you with yours it’s important that you attend the one that makes you the most comfortable. Things such as extra-curricular clubs and activities, sports teams, campus amenities, fitness facilities, and even the availability of your favorite coffee shop become surprisingly important once you’ve begun your full time classes.

What’s Important to YOU

The most important aspect of considering a college is finding one that suits your needs. Your needs are going to be different from my needs, your friends needs, or your mothers needs, so before you start acting on the recommendation of friends and family you should probably consider what you find important:

• Convenience – How important are amenities, such as a Starbucks or a pub? Many colleges have pubs or coffee shops on campus, where others have gone for a minimalist approach and have everything off site. If being able to grab a cup of joe in-between classes is important to you be sure to look for colleges that have plenty of amenities on-site.

• Layout – Is it important that you’re able to find your way around with ease the very first time that you get there? Is it important to you that the college is wheelchair accessible or not? Many colleges have taken a proactive approach towards their layout and design, offering plenty of ramps, elevators, maps, and helpful tips to help you get around faster.

Some colleges appear disorganized or detached while others feel as if they are simply big high schools. Find the one that you’re the most comfortable with because you’re going to be there for a while.

• Community – Most colleges have residences on-campus where students who are forced to live away from home can stay. These residences often form into communities, hosting parties, events, concerts, and even BBQ’s. If you are going to be on residence you may find a bit of relief in enjoying the experience with the other students that surround you.

Other Important Aspects of a College

Personal things aside, there are many things that define a college: its character, its presence, the quality of education that it provides, and most importantly (arguably), the level of accreditation that is has acquired. With the job market becoming increasingly more competitive it is important that the college that you attend is recognized for being a quality institution that adequately trains its graduates for the real world.

That doesn’t mean that you have to attend Harvard or Brown, but definitely put some careful consideration into the reputation of the college that you’re applying to. Talk to graduates and ask how they enjoyed it, and see if you can find out the kind of response that you could expect from potential employers- there’s no sense going to school only to walk out with useless certification.