If you are currently in high school, you may be juggling numerous responsibilities, such as maintaining good grades and enriching your extracurricular activities. At the same time, your attention is likely focused on your primary goal after high school: college.
With thousands of colleges and universities in the United States, your college journey is filled with endless possibilities and unknowns. Of course, getting into college is the first hurdle, but what if you end up unhappy with the school you choose?
That's why there are some important factors to consider before applying to college. Please consider this article as a guide to help you analyze and evaluate the best university path for you, ensuring that you don’t embark on a regrettable journey!
➤Scale
Just like everyone, every university has its own unique characteristics. Colleges have various forms, display different campus styles, and accommodate different student groups. Typically, public universities (state schools) tend to have larger enrollments, while private schools tend to be smaller. But there are exceptions, such as the University of Southern California, which has an enrollment comparable to many state schools, about 50,000 students. In contrast, some liberal arts colleges are at the other end of the spectrum, with a total of only 2000 peopleundergrad.
Choosing the size of a university depends largely on personal preference. Larger schools offer many advantages, especially for those who are unsure of their academic path. These universities offer a wide range of professional and academic programs, giving students a wide range of opportunities to explore. From astrobiology at the University of Washington to racing industry at the University of Arizona, the variety of courses is great. Large universities, with their large student and faculty groups, usually offer more courses and extracurricular clubs, making it easier for freshmen to find their niche. Large campuses usually have relatively complete hardware facilities and provide students with more study space. However, the size of a school can also feel overwhelming; it's easy to feel lost in the crowd, and larger classes can mean less attention from professors to individual students. Additionally, competition for course space can cause significant distress and stress during the college course selection process.
In contrast, smaller schools offer more opportunities for interaction with teachers. It is easier for students to reach out and communicate with professors if they are having difficulty with their coursework. Additionally, course registration is generally less competitive, and if you are a proactive person, it is easier to gain leadership roles in extracurricular activities and make an important contribution to the school community. This intimate environment brings students closer together. However, smaller schools may not have the same wide range of facilities or areas of study, and the diversity of social circles may be limited due to smaller student numbers.
➤Geographical location
The location of a university can have a significant impact on the student experience. Many institutions are located in urban environments and are integrated into the pulse of urban life. For example, New York University, known for its large international student population, is located in Greenwich Village in the heart of Manhattan. Unlike a traditional campus, its buildings are scattered throughout the village. Other colleges, such as Boston University and Emerson College, also maintain smaller campuses in Boston. Some institutions, such as UCLA and Rice University, are located in cities but are a few miles from urban centers and have larger campuses than schools in urban centers, but still smaller than schools in suburban and rural areas. Although cities are attractive to many students, offering endless options for events such as concerts, exhibitions and restaurants. However, high living costs, potential disruptions, and safety concerns can also be part of urban college life.
Suburban college campuses are located in relatively small towns within commuting distance of larger cities. They are usually larger than urban college campuses. For example, Northwestern University in suburban Chicago even has its own beach, while Duke University in North Carolina has a dedicated garden. Such locations offer students the opportunity to enjoy both urban culture and tranquil suburban living. Typically, suburbs offer a variety of restaurants and easy public transportation to the city. Due to their more relaxed pace, these schools tend to foster closer community ties. However, the cost of living in the suburbs is still higher, and some students may find it less convenient than city life.
Rural universities located in a variety of climate zones offer unique landscapes. Dartmouth College (read the full article about Dartmouth!) is located near White Mountain, while Kenyon College sits on a hilltop surrounded by farms, fields, and forests. These colleges often offer spacious campuses surrounded by nature, providing a peaceful and picturesque learning environment. Students at rural colleges may have an easier time forming close connections and have a lower cost of living due to fewer distractions. However, some students may feel isolated due to limited activities and facilities. necessary activitiesTravel may be lengthy and dining options may be limited.
➤Population structure
A college's demographics will play a large role in your decision-making process, as they often shape campus culture and student life. As an international student, you may prefer a university with a large international student population, which will make your adjustment to a new country smoother and promote cultural exchange. Schools like Emory and Northeastern have about a fifth of their students international, making them attractive options.
If you're specifically interested in finding colleges with significant Asian populations, schools in the University of California system may be more appealing to you. Because these schools have a large Asian population, they are more culturally resonant and may allow you to use or even improve your native language skills. On the other hand, if you want to be deeply immersed in local American culture and customs, you may prefer an institution that is predominantly white. Such a school can help you adapt more quickly and provide valuable networking opportunities, especially if you plan to work in the United States after graduation. Boston College would be one such school.
Additionally, the religious background of the university is another factor to consider. While many American universities are secular in nature, several are affiliated with different Christian denominations, which affects both student demographics and course offerings. These schools tend to have more Christian students and thus a relatively higher proportion of white students. Additionally, these schools often require students to take courses such as religious studies, philosophy, or ethics to qualify for graduation. Georgetown University and the University of Notre Dame are two representative examples.
➤Syllabus
Each university has a unique curriculum. While most schools require freshmen to take writing and seminar courses, beyond that, course syllabuses can vary widely. For example, at some universities like the University of Texas at Austin, students are admitted directly into a specific major, which can make changing majors later more complicated. At other schools, students may be admitted without declaring a major, which provides greater flexibility for changing their major later. However, it should be noted that even if you want to transfer within the university, such as from the College of Arts and Sciences to the College of Engineering, you may still need to submit an application and pass the review process.
Course requirements also vary between universities. Many colleges have a set of general requirements that require students to complete courses in various subject areas. However, some schools like Brown University and Amherst College offer a non-traditional approach with their open curriculum. In addition to required writing and major-related courses, students can choose any course they want to take. The beauty of an open course is its freedom—students have the flexibility to explore various fields before settling on a major, and to delve deeper into areas they are passionate about. However, this freedom can also lead to students lacking academic direction.
On the other hand, we can find colleges known for their core courses, such as Columbia University and the University of Chicago. Columbia University's core courses include courses in literary humanities, modern civilization, and scientific frontiers, while the University of Chicago requires humanities, civilization studies, and six science courses. The core curriculum provides a well-rounded education that may inspire a student's love for one of the topics covered in the core curriculum. However, this type of course placement may limit academic freedom, as students may find certain subjects irrelevant to their interests.
For those interested in research in highly specialized fields, the choice of future university is also crucial. Only some colleges, such as the University of Pennsylvania, have independent business schools. Other schools, such as Rutgers University, offer specific disciplines such as pharmacy. Schools like Cornell stand out with unique architectural projects. So when considering schools to apply to, understanding these specific academic opportunities can be helpful in the future.
➤Future planning
When considering college options, your future career plans can significantly influence your decision. For example, if you aspire to enter the field of finance, you might prioritize colleges with strong business, finance, or economics programs. These schools will have strong alumni networks in the financial industry. In addition, these schools often offer resources such as career counseling, internships, and job placement services specifically for students looking to enter the finance industry. Therefore, they can be an attractive option for those aspiring to pursue a career in finance.
For pre-med students aspiring to become doctors, many factors come into play when choosing a college. Although medical school does not require a specific undergraduate major, certain prerequisite courses must be completed, usually including biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Therefore, colleges with excellent science programs can provide premed students with a solid foundation. In addition, colleges that offer pre-med pre-med instruction, related volunteer service or clinical internships, and have excellent scientific research programs are often attractive to students aspiring to become doctors. In addition, many schools offer combined bachelor's-in-medicine (BS-MD) programs, which means students receive admission to a medical school at the same time as their undergraduate admissions. However, it’s worth noting that competition for these projects is fierce.
Research opportunities can also significantly influence college choice, regardless of specific career path. Research experience not only deepens understanding of the field, but also develops critical thinking, problem-solving, and technical skills that are extremely valuable in any career. Universities known for their research programs often offer undergraduate students the opportunity to participate in groundbreaking research, sometimes even becoming co-authors on academic papers.
➤Get started
Your decision on which college to choose will likely depend heavily on your academic performance, including your on-campus grades and standardized test scores. These aspects will largely determine the range of schools you can apply to and have a significant impact on admissions eligibility. In addition to academic achievements, extracurricular activities, personal statements, and letters of recommendation also play a vital role in your college application.
Financial aid can also be a key deciding factor when choosing a college, especially for students who want to avoid significant student loan debt. The cost of higher education in the United States is quite high, including tuition, dormitory and food, books, and other expenses, making these expenses add up quickly. Therefore, understanding and comparing the financial aid packages offered by different universities can help in the decision-making process.
immediately with Contact AEI Education Counselor, learn more about the most suitable university planning direction!
