Seven Things to Consider When Choosing a college

Figuring out where you want to go to college is a big decision, and choosing the right one will forever change your life for the better.

Think about the memories you'll make, the experiences you'll gain, and the life-long friendships that you will form. There are so many factors to consider in choosing a college; sometimes it is difficult to even figure out where to begin.

To help you get started, here are seven things to consider when choosing a college.

1. Academics

If you haven’t already, you’ll start getting this question a lot: what are you going to study in college? Maybe you know the answer. But if you don’t, that’s okay. Even if you’re confident about your major, it's a good idea to chat with an admissions counselor to see what types of programs each school offers. If you’re unsure about where to start, they’ll get to know you and make recommendations based on your interests, strengths, and personality.

Concordia Academics

2. Location

Location plays a big part in college selection. Would you be happier at a school in a big city? Or do you like the open spaces that come with small towns? Perhaps, you'd prefer to stay close to home so that you can visit on the weekends. You can check out schools within a reasonable driving distance. But, if you’re adventurous, college is a great opportunity to explore a new place. You could go across the country, or even across the world. Check with the schools that you’re researching to see what their study abroad options are. Knowing your priorities and being honest about what you need will help you make the right college choice.

Concordia Location

3. Money

Money is a big factor when deciding where to go to college. Unfortunately, it's not always easy to compare the cost of an education between schools. In many cases, colleges with higher tuition may actually end up costing less because of good scholarship and financial aid packages. Also, the costs provided on college websites are not always an even comparison. Some schools might have reasonable tuition, but expensive room and board. Some schools include the costs of books and other expenses, while some list only base tuition. When comparing schools, it's a good idea to talk to an admissions counselor to figure out what an education is actually going to cost.

Concordia Money

4. Athletics

Do you want to compete in college athletics? Be sure to check what opportunities are available as you’re talking with admissions counselors. Whether you have ambitions of being a pro athlete, just want to compete and have fun, or play in intramural leagues, college sports is a great way to make friends and stay healthy. If you decide to visit campus, try to schedule a meeting with a coach to learn more about the team and what student-athlete life is like at each school.

Concordia Athletics

5. Clubs & activities

So much of the college experience happens outside of the classroom. Clubs, events, service opportunities, and campus activities allow you to try new things and meet people with similar interests. Participating in extracurriculars helps you become part of the campus community. When evaluating colleges, be sure to explore what opportunities are available to grow outside of the classroom.

Concordia activities

6. Community

Wherever you choose to go to college, you'll most likely spend at least four years there, so it's important to find a place where you feel at home. You can learn a lot about a school from their website, but you can't get a true feel for the vibe on campus until you actually visit. You should also consider the off-campus surrounding community. Are there things to do nearby? Is the area where the school is located a place that you would be happy to call home?

Concordia Community

7. Resources & support

You will get the most out of your college experience if you have a strong support network built around you. What resources does a school offer to help you succeed? What is the average class size? What is the student-to-faculty ratio? These are all good questions to ask to get a feel for the supportiveness of a campus community. Smaller class sizes allow for individual attention. Professors will know you by name and will want to help you succeed.

Concordia Resources

Summary

Choosing where you want to go to college is a big decision that deserves careful consideration. There are countless other factors to consider, and you'll have to decide for yourself what your priorities are and which school best meets those needs. Ultimately, the best way to figure out which college is the right one for you is to start visiting campuses and talking to admissions counselors. You can learn a lot about a school from a website, but seeing it with your own eyes, experiencing the campus culture in person, and talking with someone who can answer your questions will help you truly understand if a college is the right fit for you.

Why not start now? Our Admissions team can tell you more about Concordia, and will talk with you to gain an understanding of what you want out of a college experience and help you figure out if Concordia is right for you.