I do remember researching schools and being utterly confused as to where I would be happiest. Every one of them claimed to be the perfect institution for me. I scanned their pamphlets carefully, looking for that one unhappy looking student. Alas, I’m sure he was cropped out. So with all these competing claims of the perfect four-year experience out there, how do you narrow down just one will meet your goals, have great parties, and provide the perfect setting to make you smart as a whip and ready to take the world by storm?
Well, for one, try to take some of that pressure off of it. No school is going to provide a perfect experience. Yes, it does rain sometimes. No, they won’t show you photos of students staying up all night to write a paper, missing that party, and grabbing a quick cup of coffee to do it again the next day. Part of your challenge is finding the environment where you won’t mind those not-so-great times that has others with whom you can commiserate during those times.
But it’s not all a downer either. You want to find a campus that offers activities you’ll enjoy outside of class time, both on and off campus. You want to find a campus with students similarly motivated so there isn’t always pressure to party when you’re trying to work and vice versa.
Don’t forget to take into account whether you love your cities or your small towns. Does this school have the majors I’m interested in? How easy will it be to switch majors when I’ve changed my mind for the sixth time?
Basically, can I study what I want and can I occupy myself in productive ways when I’m not studying, and can I do it all in weather that won’t drive me mad?? Those are the big questions you need to answer for yourself. Once you get past those, I think you’ll find a significantly narrowed list of options for where to spend your next four years. Oh, and don’t forget to ask yourself if it’s far enough from mom and dad…
As always, I’m available for more specific questions. Just email me at scott [dot] clarke [at] aya [dot] yale [dot] edu for information on rates and scheduling.
-Scott
Tags: admissions advice, college choice, college search, college tips
