Students generally have until May 1 to officially decide on a college, which means most seniors are busy evaluating offers and considering their options.
If you still aren't sure where you want to go, here are some tips for helping you decide:
Look at the Bottom Line: College is expensive, so look at your merit and financial aid awards carefully, and compare total costs across all four years. And If students or parents are taking out loans to pay for college, calculate the interest those loans will accrue and what monthly payments will be after graduation. Many financial experts recommend that students not take on more debt than their expected first-year salary.
Attend Admitted Student Events: Once colleges have admitted a student, they pivot quickly to trying to get them to enroll. Admitted student events are a fantastic opportunity to get a feel for campus life (especially if you have yet to visit) and meet some of your future classmates.
Focus on Your Criteria: You can look back at the criteria you set for yourself when this process started, but some of your "must-haves" may no longer seem so important. Now that you've grown and changed a bit, it might be time for a criteria list refresh. How do the colleges stack up against what you value at this moment in time?
Dig Into the Major: For those who know what they want to major in, now is the time to critically examine the coursework you'll be taking. Is there an opportunity within the major for a particular focus? Research, internships, or unique study abroad options? Can you add a minor or a certificate along with your major?
"Try On" Your Choices: Sometimes, an old-fashioned pro-con list isn't a bad way to compare your options. Another idea is to spend a whole day imagining yourself as part of one school. Think about what your day would look like as part of College X--where are you eating breakfast? What classes do you have? Where do you hang out after class? What are you doing at the end of the day? Do the same for the other school(s) you have on your final list and compare how you felt at the end of each day--you may find that one of the options feels right.
Keep in mind that you are already in a good position to succeed and be happy no matter where you go to college. Again, it's HOW you go to college that matters, not WHERE. Relax and trust your gut--adventure awaits regardless!