Education in San Antonio

You know you are college bound but are bogged down trying to make a decision on which one to attend. There are so many choices and so many details to research based on your interests that you feel stymied. Choosing a college is a huge decision but you must keep in mind that there is no “perfect” choice because there is no perfect school. It takes time to find the college that you believe is right for you and it also takes time to explore your interests so you can narrow down your choices. Here are a few tips for narrowing down those confusing choices.

1. Do not dismiss thoughts of a community college if you really are undecided or confused. Remember that this is about you; if you are still unfocused and feeling overwhelmed after your research and networking, then perhaps spending a year or two in a local college would be the right choice for you at this time. You can always start with this choice and then transfer at a later date. Community colleges usually offer somewhat parallel coursework to four year schools so you would not lose out here. The time spent here might help you to set priorities and get used to the idea of higher learning.

2. Start early and make a list of priorities. What factors are absolutely critical to you when choosing a college to attend? Again, do you want to live home or go away? Do you want to attend a large or small college? What about costs and finances? Is financial assistance available? Does the campus have the resources you will want such as labs, computer services, libraries Etc? What about social life?

3. Make a pro and con list and start to list the things you must have, things you absolutely do not want and things you could live with either way. Talk to friends, your family and use the internet to help you decide and to help you narrow down your choices. Remember that no one single factor should make the decision for you.

4. There is no substitute for seeing the school and its offerings in person. Once you narrow down your choices, then take a previously created checklist of your priorities and visit these campuses. What is on your checklist is personal and should include only things that are important to you–no one else, not even your parents.

Choosing where you want to go to college is a very personal issue. Unfortunately, for the prospective students and their families it can also be very stressful and anxiety producing. An added piece of advice here would be to start this process early, ideally in your junior year in high school. The above suggestions were meant only to provide a framework of thinking to help you narrow down your choices and were not meant to be inclusive. The most important issues in your decision making should include whether your final choice will meet your academic, financial, geographical and social needs.

The Author, Sue Behlmar, writes on subjects which include online degrees, scholarships, and online degree programs, and financial aid.