Decision Day - May 1st

Decision day is upon us! For many seniors, choosing their college is one of the biggest life decisions they’ve made so far. While some seniors may have already decided what college they’re attending, others are still trying to make up their minds.

Do your research: Research the colleges’ websites with a detailed focus on what’s most important to you. Interested in a particular major? Look up what classes you’ll be required to take, what internships they may offer, or what research professors are doing in the field. Do you know you want to play a sport? Visit the college’s athletics page, or find out what intramural sports they offer. If studying abroad is a priority, take a peek at what programs and countries they send students to.

Get a feel for the campus: If you’re able to visit the school for a tour or accepted students’ day, do so! Being on campus will help you decide whether or not you can picture yourself there as a student. Ask current students what their favorite aspect of the college is, and their least favorite. It can also be helpful to sit in on a class or a lecture.

Compare financial aid packages: Take a look online at each colleges’ website and see what the total cost of attendance is. Then compare what loans, grants, or other aid you’ve received in your financial aid packages. With the rising cost of college, financial aid is certainly a factor in deciding where to go. Visit www.mefa.org for more information regarding financial aid.

Most of all, know that college is what YOU make of it. There is not just one school out there for you – there are many that are great fits! This article shows that you don’t have to go to your first choice school in order to do great things and have an awesome college experience. College is not the end game, it’s the starting point. What you do with the rest of your life is up to you, regardless of where you end up!