Don't Let the Sorting Hat Decide! 10 Tips to Choosing a College That's Right for You

Some things can be decided on a whim -- what to order at a restaurant, if you should get that shirt in blue or green, or if you want to go to the store today or tomorrow. However, other things require quite a bit of thought. And your college education is one of them.

Deciding where to go to college is a huge decision. Everything from your social life to your job prospects will depend on the choices you make now.

There are about 5,300 colleges and universities in the United States alone -- that's a lot of choices to sift through. So, how can you be sure you've picked the right one?

Luckily, there are a few tips that you can follow when choosing a college.

Do you want to know what they are? Keep reading to discover our top tips on picking a college.

1. Don't Base Your Decision on Others

Has your best friend already chosen which college they want to attend? You may feel tempted to go there too. Let's face it -- going away to college is scary, and the idea that there will be one familiar face is comforting.

However, you don't want to let this dictate your decision. While one college may be right for your friend, it may not be a good fit for you.

It's important to choose a college based on your specific needs, not just because your friends are going there or because your parents are pressuring you to attend their old university.

2. Decide What You Want to Study

Remember that no two colleges are alike. One college may be known for teaching and another may be known for their science programs.

Before settling on a college, take the time to decide what you want to major in. When researching schools, make sure it has a good curriculum for your area of study.

3. Look at the Facilities

Having good classes isn't always enough. Depending on your major, you may want to look at the school's facilities too.

For example, you may want plenty of computer labs in your major's building. You may also want good science labs, up-to-date technology, or the newest computer software. Not only can these things be more convenient, but they can help you get a better education by teaching you how to work with modern technology and software used in your field.

4. Think About Internships

Alright, so you may not be thinking of internships just yet, but you should! About 60% of college internships turn into a job offer upon graduation.

Many, but not all, colleges require students to obtain an internship as a graduation requirement. If a college doesn't require an internship, see if they will give you credits for doing one.

Internships are a great way to get real-life experience and build your resume. Being able to get college credits for your internship ensures you won't need to do it on top of a full class load.

5. Consider Size

Many students think about university sizes in terms atmosphere. You may want a big school to help you break out of your comfort zone or a small school, so you don't have to walk 20 minutes in the freezing cold to get to class.

However, school size goes much further than this. Smaller schools may have fewer classes and clubs available than larger schools. But, they may also have smaller class sizes which can help ensure you get a more personalized experience.

Decide which is more important to you. Are you okay sitting through large lecture-hall classes for your general education classes, if it means getting more options for classes and extracurriculars?

6. Think About Location

Moving away from your family can be a bit nerve-wracking. That's why many students opt to attend a school within a couple hours of their hometown.

Even if you're not nervous leaving the nest, consider how you'll get home for holiday and summer breaks. You may not want to drive 10 hours to get home two or more times a year.

7. Choose an Ambience

Are you looking for a quaint college town or a city with tons to do?

Consider where your prospective university is located, and if it has the right ambience for you. You should also research how safe the area is. The last thing you want is to choose a college in a city with tons of fun things to do, only to learn that it's too dangerous to leave the campus.

8. Explore Extra Curriculars

While there's no denying the importance of your classes, it's not the only thing to consider when looking for a college. Your social life will also play an important role over the next four years.

Make sure prospective colleges have the types of clubs and sports you'd like to participate in. Also, be sure to look into Greek life, and see if the universities you're looking at have fraternity and sorority houses.

9. Take Cost Into Consideration

Of course, cost plays a huge role in which college you'll attend. Have a budget in mind and try to find colleges that fit into that price point.

Also, be sure to research financial aid and scholarship options. Some universities have more scholarships available and make paying via financial aid easier than others.

10. Don't Forget to Visit

A university can seem absolutely perfect on paper but may not be a good fit in person. That's why it's important to schedule visits for your potential colleges.

If your high school offers tours of the local universities, take advantage of as many of these as you can. You may find that you overlooked a great school or that you vibe with a college you didn't think you'd be interested in.

Many students find that certain schools just "feel right." A visit gives you the chance to experience the school and surrounding town, so you can decide if it's a good choice for you.

What to Know When Choosing a College

Choosing a college is no easy task. But following these tips can help you find the perfect school that will provide you with a great education and a fun social life.

Are you looking for resources to help you succeed during and after college? Check out Honor Society's many benefits, including access to internships and career services.