Dear Harlan,
It's time for me to make my college decision, but I don't know where I want to go. I'm really fortunate and excited about how my college process has turned out. So far, I have been accepted to all 10 colleges that I applied to. I like them all and would be happy at any of them. My dad says if I'm that indifferent I should just flip a coin, but I don't want to do that, because I like them for different reasons. I have my top five reasons that I want to combine into one school. Then cost is a factor also. I'm afraid I'll miss some of the reasons I like at one school by going to another. I'm just really indecisive and want to make the right decision so I can put this behind me and get excited about the college I picked.
Indecisive
Dear Indecisive,
One high-school grad told me the story of his college selection. He was so confused and torn that he placed all of his acceptance letters on the ground and rolled around on top of them. The letter that stuck to him was the school he attended (why he was sticky, I never asked). Before rolling around, I'd visit your top five favorite schools (try to go while class is in session). Visiting each school will give you that indescribable feeling if you belong there. Once you return home, make a list of three areas of interest where you'll find your place once in college (one social, one academic and one spiritual). Then, make a list of three areas of study that interest you. Select the top two schools that meet the criteria, factor in cost and then make a decision. If you're still unsure, talk to random students on campus via Facebook and the admissions office, look to friends with older siblings on campus or ask your high school's college guidance center for help. If you're still unsure, roll around, and go to the one that sticks.
My daughter was also accepted at more colleges than she had the decisiveness to absolutely choose. She was able to narrow it down to 3 to visit and found she liked them all a lot. So she waffled a bit and even tried to argue that maybe she should be visiting some of the acceptances she had not visited - to see if they would strike her with an "Aha!"
ReplyDeleteThen a guidance-type of a teacher suggested she try a visualization trick ... she was encouraged to imagine drawing a slip of paper that told her which of her final 3 colleges she was going to as if the decision were final and to monitor her reactions to that decision while she lived with it - the decision - for a day. She was told the process works best if you are only choosing between 2 colleges but she made it work for her with 3 choices still in the race and boy, oh boy but has she been happy with her final choice!
Dear Indecisive,
ReplyDeleteFirst of all CONGRATULATIONS on being accepted to 10 colleges that is quite an accomplishment. The predicament that you are in is a great one, you have lots of choice!
So you looked at all the "pretty" brochures, you spoke to the Admissions representatives and you may have even taken a tour. It's time to get personal.
First, if any of your top colleges are in a reasonable distance see if you can attend a class, (even if it is a summer class.) Try to attend a common first year class like an Introd. to Psychology, or Introd to Sociology course. Does the college offer large scale lecture courses, (100 + students in a class), try sitting in one of these classes. How does it feel, some students love this setting others find it to be a difficult learning environment.
Second, if you have chosen a course of study, try to speak, whether in person, on the telephone or via email, to an instructor in the specific program. Find out how long they have taught at the institution(s), what they like and dislike about the college, etc. Get to know them...who do you "click" with.
Third, attend orientation. Most colleges hold their New Student Orientation programs throughout the summer. Just because you make a schedule doesn't mean that you have to go to the college, some students attend three or more orientation days! There may be cost(s) involved especially if you attend a multiple day orientation, so you may lose some money along the way...but it may help.
Fourth, if you can go to campus at different times of the day, do it. The Office of Admission showed you the pretty "shiny" things. Hang out in the morning, afternoon and at night. Is the campus loud and wild at night? Are there house parties as far as the eye can see and the ears can hear. Do try and go with a friend or parent at night!
Whatever you decide enjoy this time, it's exciting, the next time you're in this predicament you may be trying to choose between REAL job offers!!! Good Luck!
Christy Helffrich
Academic Adviser
The University of Akron