Choosing the ideal college can be both exciting and overwhelming. When deciding where you will spend the next four years of your life, there are several important factors to consider, such as classes, tuition, dorms, location, sports, and student life. It’s completely normal if you’re not sure about your major yet (many schools allow you to apply undecided!), but this can make the decision-making process a bit more complicated. However, you can find a college that suits you by asking yourself a few simple questions.
When it comes to choosing the perfect college, one of the major points to consider is the desired location. Do you prefer a suburban or urban area? Are you drawn to skyscrapers or a traditional quad? Do you want to live on campus or commute? Starting here will help you narrow down your options, and you can begin scheduling campus tours as soon as possible. To get started, take our quiz below and discover the college that fits you best.
IF YOUR ANSWERS LEAN TOWARDS THE FIRST COLUMN…
You may find a city school to be the most appealing. Let’s be honest, you belong in a bustling metropolis like New York, LA, Miami, or perhaps even Paris or London. Your perfect match would be a school with a city campus, such as New York University, Northwestern University, The George Washington University, or Boston University. If you have a creative flair, you might also thrive at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), Parsons School of Design, or Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). Unlike traditional college campuses, urban schools are typically scattered throughout the city, which means your daily journey to class will involve exploring different streets and neighborhoods. You’ll have access to incredible options for food, shopping, museums, and cultural events. However, it’s important to consider that many of these activities can be costly, and budgeting will be necessary. Make sure to take advantage of student discounts wherever possible!
IF YOUR ANSWERS LEAN TOWARDS THE SECOND COLUMN…
You may be better suited for a smaller, suburban college or a local school. While you still value a quality education, you prefer smaller class sizes, a closer-knit community, and more opportunities to interact with professors. If the idea of being far from home or living with a large number of unfamiliar people doesn’t appeal to you, you might also consider commuting to a local college. This way, you can live at home, save money, and spend time with family and friends without missing out on challenging courses or meeting new people. Think about it, commuting offers the best of both worlds: when you’re tired of home, you can escape to school, and vice versa. Just be mindful of your commuting arrangements and the time it will take you to get there, as it will become a significant part of your daily routine. If you choose to live on campus, you could enjoy the quintessential college experience by residing in a picturesque red-brick dorm building overlooking the quad, reminiscent of Essex College in The Sex Lives of College Girls. On weekends, you can explore the nearby charming small towns.
IF YOUR ANSWERS ARE EVENLY DISTRIBUTED BETWEEN THE TWO…
You should consider attending a large state university such as UCLA, University of North Carolina, Penn State, or Michigan State. These universities are typically located in vibrant “college towns,” populated by young people and offering a plethora of activities and opportunities for students. Due to their size, these schools provide a wide range of choices, from classes to sports to extracurriculars. State schools are publicly funded and often more affordable, which also means they tend to be highly competitive. Keep this in mind and consider applying early decision or early action if there’s a specific school you’re set on attending.
