FAQs
How do I know what colleges to apply to?
The easiest answer is - Google it! I know, it sounds too easy, but really. Just start by searching for colleges near you and check out their websites. Look at the majors that they offer, the clubs that they have, and what dorms and meal plans are available. From there, you can start narrowing down the ones that interest you most. I'd say try to find 3 or 4. Then you can start scheduling campus tours because, as cheesy as it sounds, you really can tell where the best fit for you is just by visiting!
How do I pay for college?
The government will help pay you to go to school! Visit studentaid.gov to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You will need to input your parents' tax information, so make sure they are with you. The FAFSA opens each year on October 1st and the sooner you submit it, the more money you could get, so get on that!
I've been accepted! Now how do I choose which college to go to?
First off, congratulations! While it is definitely stressful, it is super exciting to be able to have a choice. You should start by considering finances. Are any of the colleges offering you scholarships or other forms of funding? If so, it might be wise to prioritize the places where it will cost you less. Then consider the major that you are interested in if you have one. Do any of the colleges have a better program than the others? The last thing to consider is all the extra fun stuff, like student organizations. College is better when you can get involved, so check out what the student life is like and see if you can picture yourself there!
Once I get to campus, how can I make adjustment easier?
Adjusting to college life actually starts before you arrive on campus. Try to connect with other incoming students on social media, create a group chat, and reach out! You can find roommates and friends before you even move in. Once you're there, the process is pretty much the same. Introduce yourself to people in your dorm, including the RAs! Most colleges also have a student engagement office on campus and/or a section on their website that lists their student orgs. Look into these and find at least one activity that you might be interested in. Once you get involved in one thing, it becomes much easier to branch out into others!