How to Choose the Perfect University
Throughout April, I receive messages from parents and high school students asking me why I decided to attend Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), and what advice I would give to current students making the tough decision of where to go to school.
At first, picking a college can seem like a daunting task -- figuring out where you want to plant your roots for the next four years. For some, it might even seem like the school you choose will significantly alter your future trajectory.
Here’s how I came to choose CWRU and what I recommend others doing as well:
- Financial Aid: I gave tremendous weight to the financial aid packages each college offered me. I personally wanted to leave college with no debt and I also wanted to attend college without having any major financial burdens. I strongly recommend attending a school that will not leave you trying to climb out of a financial hole years after college.
Tip: All colleges have different financial aid rules, and it’s important to understand them inside and out before you make a decision. For instance, some universities will charge you for taking more classes than recommended. Other universities might reduce your financial aid award if you have received other outside scholarships. I would recommend meeting with a financial aid officer to ask questions about your award. - Fit: Not all colleges will be a good fit for everyone. Some are in urban areas, some in rural. Some have a lot of school spirit, some don’t. Some are centered around sports, others are more centered around academics.
Tip: Everyone will have an opinion on what they think is the best option for you. Furthermore, rankings and unconscious biases might unfavorably hinder what you think might actually be best for you. Before you make a decision, I recommend getting a sheet of paper and writing down all the factors that would make a great college experience for you. For instance, do you prefer smaller-discussion based classes or larger lecture halls? Do you want to be located in the city or in a more suburban campus? Once you have your list, try and find the college that best fits that description. - Gut: When I visited CWRU for the first time, it just felt right. I could see myself on the campus, getting involved in clubs, and really thriving.
Tip: Try visiting the colleges you’re considering if you can. While walking around campus or attending classes, listen to your intuition. Does it tell you to go to this school or run for the hills?
What not to do:
- Rankings: Don’t make your decision based on prestige or the rankings of a university. Rankings are a necessary evil of the college admissions process, but I believe society places too much of an emphasis on them and think a name-brand college will help us more than it actually will.
First, most employers (and grad schools!) don’t care where you went to college. Rather they care about the impact you made at the college you attended, and the skills you learned and enhanced. In the United Kingdom, Deloitte even started a school-blind hiring process and “Google Doesn’t Really Care Anymore Where You Went to School.”
Additionally, some high schoolers that I talk with think they will receive an abundance of opportunities if they attend a highly ranked school; but in those schools you will likely be a small fish in a big pond competing with lots of other students for the club spot or position.
In summary:
Now, I’m not saying not to attend a highly ranked school. I’m saying go to a school that truly fits your personality, aspirations, and will reduce your financial burden.
No matter where you go to school, highly ranked or not, I guarantee that you will experience great moments and not so pleasant moments as well. College is truly what you put into it, so make the best of it.
What are your tips to choosing the perfect college? Let me know in the comments!
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(Also, if anyone is considering to attend CWRU,, feel free to message me if you have any questions!).
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Creative Director Innovative Branding and Design
8 年Marveli.squarespace.com
Head of US Private Bank and Solutions Campus Recruiting at J.P. Morgan
8 年Suneil, I like your suggestions and, as a former admissions counselor at an Ivy League institution and also a small, private, liberal arts college, I would add a few additional points: 1) You say to identify a college that would provide strong financial aid packages and I agree. I would, however, caution students (and their families) to NOT fear the "sticker price". Ruling a college out because of cost, before actually applying, getting admitted and receiving a financial aid package, can prevent one from finding (and thereby choosing) their perfect university. Like you mentioned, outside scholarships can help assist with financial burden, but outright discarding a college because you DON'T BELIEVE they can or would offer you a substantial financial aid package can be crippling. 2) Use college search tools that help to filter out obvious colleges. For example, in using a college search app like Mobile University College Search Pro (shameless plug), a student who is looking for a college in the US that offers architecture, baseball, and is rural can do so easily without having to dig through college specific websites, filter through a Google search that will offer more than just colleges, or contact multiple the admissions office. An app like this uses your profile and specific search preferences and populates institutions that align. These kinds of tools were designed to help students identify the perfect college, a college that perhaps, for various reasons, might not have initially been on their radar, and then allows them to connect with that college. 3) Lastly, your suggestions about rankings bring up a conversation that is ALWAYS at the forefront of admissions conversations. I agree, more and more employers and grad schools are identifying candidates who bring the skills and qualities that align with their organization, focusing less on college rankings. However, rankings can directly correlate with past, current, and future resources and networks available at an institution. When its time to apply to or pick a college and given a student has options, I encourage them to be mindful in how the resources and networks at an institution align with their goals (no matter how evolving). And, of course, the value of available resources and network connections is subjective. Being aware of what's available is important and, in many cases, rankings can have an impact. If a student discovers that, of their options, their fit is better at an institution that is not as highly ranked, they might have to be more prepared to advocate on their own behalf and for their goals. Overall, thank you for that article. You garnered a lot from your experience and sharing helps to make the process less daunting for future students.
Director Of Training and Professional Development at New York State Homes & Community Renewal
8 年Thank you for the fantastic advice.
Bioengineer @ Roche
8 年Very good advice!
Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Rider University
8 年This,was and is now such an awesome position to be in! Not only as a High School student but to experience that as College parents!