Tanya: You kind of just wing it and hope for the best. Start by making a list of schools that sound cool and checking if they have what you’re looking for—majors, academic opportunities, social life, a decent dining hall, housing experience, etc. Apply to a range of places so you have options. Visit if you can, but you’ll also figure it out as you go. For me, location was definitely a big factor in choosing where to apply.
Jana: There are a lot of aspects to consider when looking at colleges: location, size, cost, greek life, clubs, academics, etc. A bunch of websites can help you filter through colleges and find the best one; my favorites are CollegeVine and Niche. Once you find a couple of colleges that fit your needs, the best thing to do is try to visit them and take a tour. Spring break of junior year is the perfect time to do this; it is better to go when classes are in session to get the vibe of the campus. You can also look at YouTube videos or other social media posts by current students to get even more information.
Katie: When choosing your college all that you should ever consider is one thing, you! Think about what you want, what would make you happy, what you want out of this college experience. Even if your parents may want you to choose a certain school, you should always consider what would make you happy. In these next few years of your life, you should be the happiest you can achieve at the place you choose. For me, that meant choosing a smaller school because I like the feeling of a close-knit community and knowing everyone on campus.
