Apr 26, 2008

On College

Picking college fun time for applicants

By Jason Katz / Daily News columnist

Q. I have now heard back from all the colleges I applied to. I was accepted by four different schools. I'm really worried that I won't pick the right school. Do you have any suggestions?

A. My first suggestion is to change your mind-set. This should be a fun time of year for you because the tables have now turned between you and the colleges. Probably for your entire high school career you have been trying to impress the colleges, and now that you have been accepted by four, it is time for the colleges to impress you. The ball is in your court.

Many college applicants these days put too much pressure on themselves when it comes to choosing which college to attend. Many go so far as to believe that if they don't pick the "right" school, they won't secure a good job or have a fulfilling life. This simply is not the case.

First, choosing a college is definitely more of an art than a science. There is no way to know if the school you choose is the right one for you or not. The best you can do is gather information and make an educated guess as to what school will be the most enjoyable.

Visit the colleges that have accepted you. While on their campuses, notice what types of students are there. Talk to as many of the students as possible and ask them many questions. Do you like your school? Do you enjoy your classes? What is the social life like? If you could go back to your senior year of high school and pick your college all over again, would you still choose this college? Why or why not?

During your college visits, sit in on a few classes and talk to the professors afterward. Additionally, if at all possible, schedule an overnight dorm stay. Staying overnight in the dorm may give you insight into the school's true personality. Is it really a school of academics who study all night, as your tour guide may have told you, or do the students relax a little bit at night and party?

Second, what you do when you get to college, regardless of which college it may be, is more important than which college you choose.

Many students - and parents - are so caught up with the name-brand colleges and universities that they won't even consider less well-known schools. However, I know many students who have attended so called "second-tier" colleges, done very well academically and landed great jobs or spots in graduate and professional schools after graduation.



Jason Katz is an independent college counselor and is founder of JKatz College Counseling in Redwood City. E-mail Katz at jkatz@jkatzcollegecounseling.com.