Unlike an athlete’s signing day and the highly-influence decision to attend a specific college because of a full-ride scholarship, your journey to narrow down a school might be more difficult and confusing. Everyone will pressure you into making the right choice, and you may become overwhelmed as you realize how much your educational career will impact the rest of your life. Figuring out where to go to college shouldn’t be a last-minute, careless decision, and with these tips, you can make your choice with confidence.
1. Narrow Down Your Interest
If you are working a menial job that doesn’t offer career potential, you may want to look into a career field that interests you and offers the chance at a fresh start. However, you need to make sure your interests are a viable career option that meets your abilities. For instance, if you struggle with cautions and technical details, a degree in engineering might not be your best option. If you have an interest in teaching, consider whether you are suited for younger children in an elementary classroom or a single-subject specification with high school students. Don’t just pick a field because of the income potential. Consider the words of wisdom that if you do what you love, you’ll never have to work another day in your life.
2. Narrow Down Your Location
If you are fresh out of high school, you probably have fewer ties to a specific location and consider an institution where you can live and attend at the same time. College life, for many, is just as much about social activities, athletics, and student life as it is about academics. Your intended field of study may also impact where you are able to go, with some more specialized disciplines only available at well-funded or renowned institutions. For those who have career and domestic priorities that can get in the way of attending class, online education has become a popular option. As an example, the Grand Canyon University nursing program has received many positive reviews, and it has enabled many to pursue a career in the medical field while keeping their employees and providing for their families. The Grand Canyon University Nursing professionals receive the same training as one would find at a brick-and-mortar school, but with more convenience and flexibility to the needs of the adult learner.
3. Narrow Down Your Degree
While your career choice will most certainly impact what school you will be able to attend, you will want to decide what form of degree you want to pursue. Your future career plans should be taken into account, as more advanced degrees can open high-paying and more respectable jobs. You also have to prepare for the certification exams associated with your degree of choice. For example, LSAT is a test one needs to pass to get into law school. There are LSAT preparation books you can look into for developing a solid study plan. Your field of study could start with a certificate program and move on up to a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate program. If your long-term plans are to pursue your education as far as you can, speak with a counselor at your school of interest to find out about options for a seamless transition between degrees.
4. Narrow Down Your Funding
Higher education can still be an expensive undertaking, and you don’t want to halt your journey because of insufficient funds. You can check with the financial aid department at your school about applying for scholarships, but you may also have to consider the option of student loans. For those whose companies offer tuition reimbursement, check with your human resources department before enrolling for classes. Your chosen field might be covered under the reimbursement plan. You may have to be on a student work program in order to make ends meet, but your sacrifice will pay off.
Don’t get overwhelmed by the choices that lie ahead. Your college journey should hold ideas of promise, potential, and excitement, so long as you make a wise choice and provide the commitment to see the journey through.
