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What to Think About When Making Your College Decision

Choosing which college is right for you can be a difficult decision. But don’t worry! With this guide, you’ll learn all about what factors you should consider and how to decide where you should pursue your studies.
Post Date: 
Wednesday, March 1, 2023

Where you decide to go to college is a huge, important, and critical moment in your life — this can be a stressful experience for prospective students. Most high school seniors know the pressure that comes along with the countless college brochures sent to them. It can be difficult to make sense of what a college offers to its students, and deciding what offerings are best for you can feel overwhelming. We’re here to help! We’ve put together a list of some important factors you should be thinking about when making your decision.

1) Available areas of study

Before committing to school, make sure to familiarize yourself with the majors the university offers. You may absolutely love a certain university and their campus, only to find out they don’t offer your intended major. If you already know what you plan on studying, then you’ll want to ensure the schools you’re looking at offer that particular major. If you’re undecided, take a look at the various majors listed and see if there are any that interest you. Your first year at school is a great time to take a few different General Education (Gen Eds) courses to get a feel for what that major is all about.

Even if you declare your major upon enrollment, it’s extremely common for students to have a change of heart early on in their college career and make the decision to change their area of study. For this reason, it’s a good idea to pick a school that has a number of majors available that catch your eye. If you do end up deciding that your initially chosen major isn’t for you, you’ll have peace of mind knowing there are other majors available to jump right into. 

2) Affordability of tuition 

Tuition is often one of the most crucial factors you need to consider as a prospective student. College can be expensive, and often leaves students with debt that can take years to pay off. It’s important to make sure you understand your financial responsibilities for each university prior to accepting the offer of admission. 

However, this isn’t to say you should live in fear of college tuition. There are many options available to students who may need assistance paying for their college education. Try not to write off a college that you are interested in right away simply because of cost. Most universities, such as NJIT, offer a myriad of financial aid resources and scholarship opportunities — be sure to explore these options before potentially dismissing your dream college.

Another important aspect of college tuition to keep in mind is that a higher cost of attendance doesn’t necessarily equate to a higher quality of education. Public state colleges often cost far less than private or out-of-state colleges, while still providing students a first-class quality education. NJIT offers students an excellent education experience while keeping costs affordable for students of all economic backgrounds. Not only is NJIT ranked No. 14 overall in the United States by Money in its list of Best Colleges for 2022, but is also one of the nation’s best colleges for students seeking a superb education with great career preparation at an affordable price, according to The Princeton Review, an honor held since 2018

3) Location can be key

College campuses come in all shapes and sizes — it’s important to make sure you take the time to find the campus environment that fits you best. There are a number of different questions regarding location that you should ask yourself when figuring out how to decide what college to go to. 

  • Do you want to be close to home so you can visit your family? 

  • Do you want to live on-campus or commute?

  • Would you prefer staying in-state or venturing out to a new place?

  • How far away from home are you comfortable with?

  • What type of weather would you prefer? 

  • What is the area surrounding campus like? 

These are all great factors to consider as they will greatly affect your happiness and overall experience at college. NJIT’s location makes it a great place for students given its close proximity to New York City, granting students a plethora of work and leisure opportunities. 

4) Level of comfort on campus

In addition to a college’s location, think of campus itself when determining which school is right for you. Feeling safe and comfortable during your time living and/or learning on campus should be a priority. If you can, schedule visits to the schools you’re interested in to experience the vibe of the campus for yourself. Seeing pictures and videos online isn’t the same as walking around the campus in-person. 

When you’re on campus you’ll start to get an idea of what it looks like to be a student at that university. With student’s walking to and from class, athletic teams practicing outdoors, and campus events taking place, you’ll be immersed in the culture. You’ll also be able to see what type of safety resources are available to students in terms of police, security, and emergency services. 

5) Clubs, sports, and other student activities

Colleges and universities typically offer much more to their students than just academics. Before deciding on a school, take some time to look into what clubs, sports, and other activities are available to students. Joining a club, sport, greek life, or organization can truly make your time at college memorable. You’ll meet other students, be able to take a break from course work, and have fun doing something you love. NJIT offers over 200 student organizations — whether you’re hoping to play baseball or are interested in joining the amateur radio club, NJIT likely has something that’s right for you. 

6) Career development services 

Your time in college is intended to educate and prepare you for your future profession. While the time you spend in the classroom is an important part of this process, universities generally offer services to help you prepare for your career. Before selecting your college, it’s a good idea to look into what career development services are offered. Through career development services, students can attend networking events and get assistance in finding an internship, preparing for interviews, and meeting with advisors to help map out the beginning stages of their professional careers. 

7) Quality of facilities on campus 

For many students, college is the first time you’re living away from home. You’re going to be spending the majority of time on campus — to make campus feel like a home-away-from-home, the facilities at your university should be comfortable and well maintained. Before accepting an offer, learn about the residence halls, dining hall options, classrooms, libraries, labs, buildings, gyms, and healthcare services to ensure all of these factors meet or exceed your expectations. Try speaking with current residents and students to get an idea of what living there is really like. 

Find the college experience you’re looking for at NJIT!

If you’re looking for a STEM school that offers a quality education and superb college experience, look no further. NJIT will provide you with the skills and the tools necessary to propel you into your future career. With top-notch facilities, excellent location, and a wide variety of clubs and sports, NJIT prides itself on being a wonderful place for students to grow and learn. Apply today and see what an education from NJIT can do for you.

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