The feeling of reading that acceptance email is incredible. After all those years of hard work, you finally got into college!
But maybe you’ve been accepted to several colleges, and you’re struggling to choose which one will be the best fit for you. We know the college decision is huge — that’s why we encourage you to chat with your parents sooner rather than later about these five important topics.
1. Location, location, location
Geographical location is a major factor to consider when choosing your school. Keep in mind that there is no universal location that is perfect for everyone. For example, a college in a large city might be attractive to some but completely overwhelming to others. Marymount University’s close proximity to D.C. gives you the best of both worlds. By attending school in Arlington, Va., you’ll be able to reap the benefits of the big city feel and a small school community at the same time. Looking to learn more about the advantages of attending a school in the D.C. area? Check out the blog posts below!
- Why going to college in D.C. is good for your future career
- Goin’ to the big city: 6 easy ways to gear up for college in D.C.
- You should choose a college near D.C. — here’s why
- D.C. is our classroom: 8 reasons to choose D.C. for college
2. Campus and class size
If you’re a student that prefers personal attention from professors and a more intimate educational experience, class size can be an important component to consider. Most schools post their student-to-faculty ratio and average class sizes on their websites, so do some research before making your decision. Marymount is dedicated to a student-centered approach to learning, and we’re committed to keeping our class sizes small so that our students can get one-on-one attention from faculty members. If you’re interested in reading more about the advantages of attending a school with small class sizes, check out the blog post below!
3. Financing a college education
Financing a college education can be stressful — we get it. If you need some help paying for school (and lots of people do), you should take into account the financial aid opportunities at each of the schools you’re considering. Part-time jobs as well as scholarships and grants, such as the FAFSA, are great ways to offset some of the costs of attending college. Want more info on financing a college education? Check out these blog posts!
- Calculate how much college will (actually) cost you
- 7 common FAFSA mistakes to avoid
- 14 tips for completing fantastic scholarship applications
- 8 FAQ’s for students researching financial aid, and 8 helpful answers!
- 5 ways to secure scholarships early and be ready for college
- Top 5 websites for students researching college scholarships
- 3 ways you can prepare for the FAFSA right now
- 7 ways to strategically research college scholarships
4. Undergraduate college program options
Did you know almost one-third of all students change their major within their first three years of college? If you choose a school based on the strength of one specific program and decide to change majors after a semester or two, you may have accidentally handicapped yourself. Schools like Marymount that offer a broad range of majors are advantageous to everyone, especially for students who are unsure of their future career path. Concerned about choosing a college major? Check out the blog posts below!
- The pros of going into college undecided
- 5 ways to find your purpose before choosing your major
- Why it’s okay to not know what your college major should be right away
- 4 reasons not to rush into choosing a college major
- 9 college majors for students unsure of their future career
- 7 majors for students who enjoy reading, writing and researching
5. The weight of legacy
Your parents, your grandparents and your great-grandparents may have all gone to the same college, but that doesn’t mean it’s the right school for you. You should take into account a school’s strengths and weaknesses, its location, size, costs and diversity. That’s not to say your legacy school isn’t a good fit for you, but legacy shouldn’t be the most important factor when considering your options. Read the blog below for a closer look at Marymount’s dedication to interdisciplinary learning and diversity of thought and experience.
Are you ready to learn with purpose?
As an institution that offers market-driven educational opportunities in a wide range of disciplines, Marymount prides itself on providing an undergraduate education that is applicable to the workplace. Marymount is dedicated to student-centered learning and to the intellectual, ethical and spiritual development of each individual. And if you aren’t sure yet on what field of study you want to pursue, Marymount is happy to be the college where you eventually figure that out!
Marymount could be the perfect fit for you. Contact us today and learn more about becoming a part of the Marymount community!
