[bluegirl...?]

I was just curious as to what made you decide where to go......... Like why did that college stand out for you?

Thanks in advance for your answers!

...Blue

[Oxidopamine]

There were many factors I considered but the major ones were (in no order):
1) Whether I would have to live on residence/an apartment (if the college was too far from where I live to commute daily).
2) Transportation. If I did live at home, then how would I get to campus and how much would public transport cost. If I lived at residence, then how do I get to a nearby mall for food, office supplies, etc... .
3) Reputation. This comes into effect both when applying and when receiving offers. You can get the same degree from each college but employers tend to put some weight on prestige.
4) Does the college have the programs you're interested in?
5) Diversity of programs. Many people change their minds on what they want to study. If your college is focused primarily on one particular area but you lose interest, then there's not a lot of alternate options at the campus.
6) Social life. Although you're at the college to study, you'll burn out if you don't have some social outlet, whether it be exercise, clubs, etc... .
7) Student opinions. Many websites and some magazines offer unique opinions from students but it's best to use those that are conducted across campuses, ideally through a survey.
8) Cost/tuition. This can be a major deciding factor, especially for those with high prestige.

Some things not to pay attention to:

1) Where your high-school friends are going. Chances are, even if they decide to study in the same area, you're going to meet new people anyway.
2) Where any family members went or boyfriends/girlfriends went.

[Maven]

For me, I had to choose a local college. I don't have the money to go to one where I'd rack up loans to stay at a college dorm, nor did I want to leave my home (there are those who depend on me). I would have liked to go to a state college or university, but those are more expensive, and after reviewing everything I'd need to do to qualify, I decided community college will work better for me, and I can go on to a 4-year college later, if I want.

Next, it was in-county, where I'd save money, or out-of-county, which is closer. I got some misinformation upon which I made my choice: I was told I wouldn't have to pay chargeback fees since I live so close to the college, but after getting in, I found that wasn't true. But I'm staying with the college, because I like the area and the college (so far).

[notz]

proximity.....

[Travelinglady]

Mind you this decision was made in 1973. (Yes, I am getting old! )

Relatives and former teachers went there, and they liked it. It was a school with a well-known history, not some newly-opened joint. It had the majors I was interested in. I liked what the catalog said about it. It wasn't too far from home (2 and a half hours) and not an out-of-state school. I liked the campus.....

It was the only school I even applied to! And I had a great experience there! I absolutely loved it!

But, as was mentioned, much more info exists now on the Internet about schools.

[DenisDonnacha]

It was the closest one to me.

[onionknight]

[quote=PAYNE1;2710913]

It was the only school I even applied to! And I had a great experience there! I absolutely loved it!

[quote]

Yes! Finally someone else who only applied to one school! Except, I applied in 2007, a bit after you

I only applied to the university I ended up attending and graduating from. I didn't give it much thought, really. I didn't have tons of money so I needed to stay public and in-state, so my state's flag-ship public university was my best bet.

I would advise you to not do this though. It's a big risk

It was the furthest away from home without being out of state

Family school. My parents made me go there.
(definitely not my first, second, third or even fourth choice)

[Umbral_Seraph]

It was what I could afford.

[geetika123]

That was not my choice, my parents choose it for me.

[Mike_J]

Cost an ease of acceptance. I went to UW (that is The University of Wyoming) good school, great town, and low cost, all bonuses

It had a very good reputation for my major..In the end I chose it after spending a weekend there and visiting classes.

[stmml]

A gut feeling. It felt comfortable and homey, and I could see myself feeling really comfortable there.

[Fresia]

First school-picked the top ones for my major, then the one that felt most comfortable on campus, while taking into account what I could afford.

Second/current school- there are so few schools for my degree, and even then they only accept 5-15 students per year, so I had to go with wherever I was accepted as the priority. Then came looking at the quality of programs, tuition costs, and the cost of move/housing in new area. Staying in-state, like many places, had the additional advantages of being less expensive plus some grants/scholarships for being an in-state student, and not having to necessarily relocate. This was ideal for me at this point in my life. For these reasons plus the quality of the program, I choose to stay at the in-state school but the trade off is having one heck of a commute, which is not recommended. Being closer to campus is ideal.

[DeadGoldfish]

Cheapest tuition in the state of Washington! ;D

[bluegirl...?]

Well I've pretty much decided Emory ( a college in GA ) but it's a bit of a stretch for me.....

I ended up chosing it for most of the reasons you guys listed...

1) its in the same state so I can get my tuition covered (and if I keep my grades high)

2) I want to do something medical (I'm thinking Physical Therapy) and emory would be a good place to go

3) the campus seems nice


The only problem is I may not get in. And it just sucks cause now that I chose this place, I really really really want to go.

[notz]

proximity and money

[Miswimmy1]

I'm only in high school, but i am interested to hear what you all have to say...

I am thinking of somewhere in California... USC or UCLA... just becuase I know people who graduated from there and liked it. I also know that USC has a good psychology program... and thats what I want to major in.

[JustDontAsk]

I chose based on a lot of reasons, and I start in the fall.

I loved the campus.
It is out of state, but it is less money than an in-state school I was looking at.
It has the area of study I am interested in, but it also has many other majors in case I want to change.
I was recruited to play a sport there and will be participating in that.
The town it is in is not too big, so hopefully my anxiety won't be triggered too much.
The school is a nice size, in my opinion, with many opportunities.
It's far enough from home, but not too far.

And last, but probably the most important of all to me...It just felt right when I was on campus. I had that gut instinct that this was the place for me. I knew right away that I would feel great with calling this "home" for some of the year.

So, those are my main reasons.

Best wishes to all.

[downtoearthgirl]

I choose an online college that a friend recommended. Online classes had seemed to work for me so I went from there to my current college.

[undiagnosedinsanity]

I chose to attend UCSC for several reasons. 1. it was far from home and I wanted to be in a new environment. 2. it is a research oriented school and that fit well with my major (psychology) 3. when I visited the campus I felt like I belonged there.

I could not be happier with the choice I've made. I transferred from a community college and being at UCSC has been good for me. Not only the people, but the campus is filled with wildlife. There's nothing like feeling like your soul is broken and then coming across six buck with majestic antlers. The redwoods alone are amazing and great for when I need to take a hike to calm down.

[winter4me]

This is a LOL but true, I opened Baron's Guide at random in four places and applied to the schools I landed on. (of course there is a loner pre-story)------

[winter4me]

I can't edit for some reason now, so I post to say a "longer", vs "loner" story.

[mimi2112]

Originally Posted by undiagnosedinsanity

I chose to attend UCSC for several reasons. 1. it was far from home and I wanted to be in a new environment. 2. it is a research oriented school and that fit well with my major (psychology) 3. when I visited the campus I felt like I belonged there.

I could not be happier with the choice I've made. I transferred from a community college and being at UCSC has been good for me. Not only the people, but the campus is filled with wildlife. There's nothing like feeling like your soul is broken and then coming across six buck with majestic antlers. The redwoods alone are amazing and great for when I need to take a hike to calm down.

go banana slugs!!!!!!!!! i miss santa cruz so much! i'm glad you enjoy it there. i think it is probably the best place for sanity and stability.