Choosing a college is about more than just getting an acceptance letter; it’s about finding the best fit for who you are now and who you want to become. This guide outlines a clear, seven-step process to help you make this important decision with confidence.
7 Steps to Choosing the Right College
1. Develop a Short List: Consider what’s most important to you. Think about location, enrollment size, academic programs, campus atmosphere, cost, and selectivity. Build a list that aligns with your personal values and long-term aspirations.
2. Rank Your Priorities: Take time to weigh the pros and cons of each school on your list. What are your personal and educational needs? Consider your comfort level with being far from home, the ideal class size, and the specific resources you need to be successful.
4. Discuss College Costs Early: Have an open and honest conversation with your family about affordability. Don’t be deterred by a college’s sticker price, as the actual cost can be much lower once financial aid, grants, and scholarships are factored in.
5. Consider Future Outcomes: Look beyond the next four years. Research graduation rates, job attainment rates, and median earnings of graduates. See which companies recruit from the campus and what internship or co-op opportunities are available. This helps you understand how a college will prepare you for your career.
6. Visit Campuses: If possible, take a campus tour to get a feel for the culture and community. If an in-person visit isn’t feasible, take advantage of the many high-quality virtual tours and online events colleges offer.
7. Compare Financial Aid Awards: When you receive your financial aid offers, carefully compare them. Understand the difference between grants and scholarships (free money) and loans (money you have to pay back). Look at the total cost of attendance after all aid is applied to see which school is truly the most affordable.
8. Move on From Rejection: If you are not accepted to a top-choice school, it’s okay to be disappointed. However, give yourself a limited time to feel that disappointment before you look forward. If you’ve created a balanced college list, you should have multiple great options to choose from.
A Note on BFCF Scholarships
The scholarships we provide are designed to help make your college dreams a reality. We know that the cost of tuition can be a major factor in your decision. We encourage you to use our scholarships as a key part of your financial plan, allowing you to choose the school that is the best fit for your academic and personal goals, not just your financial ones.
