by Gabrielle Schrader

Created on: July 13, 2009   Last Updated: July 14, 2009

When deciding which colleges to apply to and ultimately to attend, future students must assess their needs and their desires. As a current college student, I will tell you that it isn't as easy as it sounds. Many times colleges are very similar in what they offer and how they operate. However, each college also acts differently and has their own "persona" if you will. It is important for college students to understand these various "personas" and to understand which will serve them the best.

The first thing that any prospective student should do is determine what size of a college they are looking for. Large colleges offer the chance to blend in and be anonymous. Small colleges offer the chance for more personalized attention. Students will also have to decide what type of campus atmosphere they would like. Do students want a campus where everyone (freshman-seniors) live on-campus? Or do students want a campus where everyone lives off-campus (except for freshman)? Colleges where students live on-campus will be more community-oriented where colleges where students live off-campus will be more "independent/free" but lack community.

One of the other things students must decide, is NOT which career path they wish to choose, but what subjects they are interested in. Unless students are interested in trade/technical schools, then they must decide their college based on interests. Goals, dreams, passions, all change. Students who chose a school only for its science department and decides to switch their major to English, will find themselves in a great deal of stress. It is much simpler to narrow the academic field for potential careers. For example, I was interested in drama, sciences and English. I chose a college that was excellent in all three areas so I could feel out how dedicated I was to each subject and choose a major/profession from there. I have a profession that I am interested in, within each subject, and so I am able to choose a college that fits all three.

One of the things that many students do not think about, is the aesthetics. If you are living in a place that is prettier or fits your tastes better, then you are more likely to want to learn and to want to study. You will be a happier person, as ridiculous as it sounds. Not that your college has to be a beautiful, wonderful place. It just has to fit your aesthetic style. Brick, stone, gothic, etc.

Lastly, remember that you need to sample each college's "persona". The best way to do this, is to visit. You get a feel that is indescribable really and goes well beyond the college's list of accomplishments or hard facts. It gives you a feel that will ultimately be one of your major deciding factors. The moment I visited my college, I knew. I knew that it was for me. I knew it was my perfect fit. When you decide where to apply, and ultimately where to attend, simply remember that it should "fit" you. Not your parents, your friends or your teachers. Your college must fit you.

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