I'd like to start off by wishing you all a Happy Easter!!
(Well, belated, but I'd like to think it's still in the season!)
Courtesy of Joyce 3rd floor :)
While many of you may have been joyously celebrating your Easter, you may have also been contemplating the inevitable question you must answer on May 1st. Where do you send that pretty little deposit?
The answer seems quite obvious to me (*hint*SAINT MIKE'S!!!*hint*), but of course I'm biased and it's a very hard and difficult decision. I didn't confirm my decision until late April, after I visited for one of the Accepted Student Days. So I'm going to try to give you some pointers that worked for me and made me know that I was making the right choice.
1. Vist, Visit, and REVISIT: Choosing a college is hard, but it's even harder if you've never stepped foot on campus. Try your best to visit ALL of your options, and if you can, try to revisit them time after time. Try to sit in on classes, too. In the beginning of my senior year, I thought I had my first-choice pegged out from the start. However, when I visited the school for a second time and sat in on a number of classes, I realized that it was not what I wanted. I wanted to go to a place where I could be challenged and surrounded by students and professors who cared. That school, as it turned out, didn't seem to have any of that. Then for the next series of months, I made sure I visited every possible option. However, some of you may not be able to visit a college that's too great a distance away, so make sure you check out any online tours! Many colleges now have their tours on youtube, including Saint Mike's! If you're unable to make it to campus, make sure you take a look at our interactive tour!
2. Make a List of Pros and Cons: Trust me, it's corny but helpful. There are pros and cons to every choice, so make sure you know what they are. It'll make the process so much simpler. Whether being 300 miles away is a pro or a con for you, it would help to write it down and confirm your feelings about it.
3. Don't Tie Yourself Down: Don't completely disregard a school you like just because it doesn't have "your major". Do you know how many college freshmen, sophomores, and even juniors change their majors not once, not twice, but three times? Quite a lot! You may think you know what you want to do for the rest of your life, but the truth is that none of us know the future, so remember to take chances and explore your options! You don't have to tie yourself down to one thing just yet!
4. Talk to a Variety of Students: Tour guides are great for handing you information about a school and being cheery about all the positives, but if you really want a full picture, it's best to talk to a variety of students on campus so that you can get a variety of feedback. I did that for every school I visited and found it was a great way to explore my options. I talked to a number of St. Mike's students, and they all gave me their genuine input. They genuinely liked being here, and I'm glad I took their opinions to heart because now I like being here too :)
5. If you can afford it, Be Selfish: Of course, parents, teachers, and the like are going to try to influence your college decision. However, know that this about you. What would make you happy? Where can you see yourself? While others may try to tell you what would be best for your future, don't make your decision based on what others are telling you to do. Go with your heart. We all know financial aid is also a primary factor, but there are plenty of scholarships and opportunities if you are passionate enough about a school to do the extra work and pursue them. Fastwebs is a great resource for scholarship hunting! Try it out or search for other scholarship hunting websites online. You'd be surprised what you can get money for!
*Tip: Even the smallest amount helps. $500 can help you pay for school books!
6. Don't Stress: I know, easier said than done but in the end you'll end up where you're supposed to be. Enjoy the rest of your senior year (study hard, too!!) and remember, you'll find it. You'll find that one college that fits your every dream. I really hope it's Saint Mike's, but if not, best of luck and you'll do great!
Wishing you the best of luck as you go on with
your senior year and final decisions! :)
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