Are you starting your college search? There are so many choices out there, that sometimes picking a college can be overwhelming.
To aid my search, I followed some tips that my mother gave me and they helped me succeed on finding the right college for myself.
When I started thinking about college, I actually started looking in my freshman year of high school. Starting the college search early will help to de-escalate you later when it is time to start applying.
I began my search by looking at different schools both in and out of the state. I liked the idea of staying close to home, that way I could still be with family and continue my passion for horses.
I began to look at schools that were close to my house, but also chose some farther away. I also looked at colleges that had a variety of majors, incase I wanted to change majors at some point.
Another consideration I had was the size of the college I wanted to attend.
At a big school, I would be just a number in a class. I would not get one-on-one attention, but, instead, would have a harder time.
Attending a small school, students can receive more one-on-one attention from the professors.
Smaller schools give students the ability to have a relationship with their professors. I liked the idea of a small college and decided that a smaller college would be the right fit for my learning style.
Before applying to receive additional information on the schools you are looking at attending, check out the website for the school.
The college's website will give students more understanding of the school, including; history, academics and activities.
Once you look at the website, request for additional information on a sport team you're interested in, the intended major and dorm life.
This information could help you make choices about whether or not the college would be a right choice for you.
College visits and open houses are a great way to see the college when other students are there. I liked scheduling a personalized tour, this way it was more one-on-one with the tour guide.
After I received my acceptance letters, I began planning an overnight visit with a host student from the college. A typical overnight visit includes staying in the dorms, attending classes and eating in the cafeteria.
By planning an overnight visit, I had the chance to see what the classes are like in a college setting.
College classes are much different than high school classes. In college, classes are longer, scheduled when the student wants and the professors challenge the student more. I encourage students to participate in overnight visits at the colleges they are considering attending.
Whichever type of school you chose, whether it's big or small, close or far away, may the best of luck be with you on your college search. Remember to start early, as college deadlines approach quickly.
Best of luck!
Bush will be a junior at Lycoming College and is pursuing a bachelor's degree in business administration and corporate communications.
