Beyond the Campus Tours: A Strategic Approach to Choosing Your University

Are you looking into a variety of universities and having a hard time knowing which one to choose? While the campus tours may help you to get a general idea of what to expect when searching for a school, go a little bit deeper by researching these things below: 

 

Think about the specific program

While the universities you’re looking into may have some great reviews and are well-known in the world of education, you’ll want to take your research a step further and really consider how beneficial the specific program is for your needs.

Is it a medical assistant program that is known for “producing” top performers in the industry or a dental hygienist program that provides students with the best kind of instruction and education possible? If the programs you’ll be studying will help you to reach your future career goals by getting you set up in the best way possible, it’s important to consider them.

 

Consider the job market

If you’re hoping to take a step from your studies to internships and then kickstart your career, consider the job market in the area where you’ll be studying. If it’s a city with a lot of job opportunities, it may be easier for you to get the internship that could set you up for success in your future.

It could also make it simpler to jump from graduation to your career, so keep this in mind when choosing your university. Getting positioned to start your career right out of school is an appealing factor to consider when trying to make your decision on the best university for you.

 

Look into the extracurricular activities

While you’re going to school to study, the other activities and clubs can make a difference in your overall experience. Not only are they good for letting your hair down every now and then with your heavy study load, but it’s a great way for you to make friends and connections that can serve you well in your future, not only as friends and acquaintances but even for your future career. So, check out things that are related to your interests, whether that’s sports or theater, etc.

 

Transportation and getting around town

If you’re figuring out housing and will be living off campus, you’ll want to look into how easy it is to find a place to live and get around the city. If you don’t have your own car, can you easily get from your place to school? This will definitely matter on those days when you have an early class or a late one. Is it easy to also get to the spots where you’d probably be hanging out a lot when not at class?

You want to enjoy your experience and if it’s a city or area that isn’t very well set up with transportation, you may want to consider how important that is to your decision.

 

Overall vibe of the school and area

While your education and academics are obviously the most important factors in choosing a school, you’ll also want to remember that you’re dedicating 4+ years to your studies and you want to enjoy the experience as a whole. Is the city one where you could enjoy spending that extended amount of time?

In some situations, the education you’ll receive at the school of your choice may be worth sacrificing in other aspects, but it’s definitely something to consider when making your long-term decision. Take time to explore the vibe of what will be “your new city.” Who knows? Post-studies, it could become the city where you put down roots.

 

In Conclusion

Do you know where you’ll be going to school? Do you have different universities to choose from? Take time to consider everything from the academics to the city itself. Your education is important, but so too is having the best college experience possible, so think about these factors when making your decision.