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How to choose the right college: Your questions, answered

Whether you're just starting to envision your future or you've been obsessing over one school for years, choosing the right college can, tbh, be an overwhelming experience. Factors like class size, geographic region and campus life (not to mention getting accepted!) make a huge difference when you're comparing schools, even when you think you *finally* have your list narrowed down.

That's why we teamed up with CollegeXpress to help take the stress out of the college app process. Scroll for alll the answers to your most pressing Qs about finding ~your~ perfect place. Bonus: After you create a free acount for CollegeXpress (click here!), enter our giveaway HERE to win a $100 spring prize pack. 

Q: "My interests are all over the place, tbh. Is it possible to, say, major in chemistry but minor in dance?"
A:
Absolutely. Maybe you've been dreaming about becoming a scientist since first grade…or your newfound love for the lab was just sparked by a terrific teacher last year. Whatever your passion is, it's 100% possible to find a place with programs that suit *all* of your varied interests. Whether you're pursuing fashion merchandising, journalism or mechanical engineering (or all of the above!), you'll be surprised to see just how many opportunities there are to chase your dreams.
Get started: To sort through schools by majors and minors, check out CollegeXpress's super helpful Lists & Rankings. From leadership programs to marine biology, we promise—they've got it all.

Q: "Do I have to go to a big school to make lots of friends?"
A: The honest answer? No. Class size is one of the most important factors in choosing a college. And while some outgoing types might be naturally drawn to major universities, there are just as many who are looking for something slightly scaled down. As you fine tune your search, take a second to pause and really envision yourself as a college student. Do you see yourself in a football stadium with tens of thousands of other cheering students—or are you sitting in a seminar with just a handful of classmates? Wherever you see yourself, remember to priortize that feeling of belonging. Trust us: it won't steer you wrong.
Get started: CollegeXpress breaks down the advantages and disadvantages of both big and small schools. Check out their blog post about class size for an in-depth discussion about finding your community on campus. 

Q: "Right now, I'm super involved with cross country and mock trial. How do I know which clubs to join in college?"
A: Finding your niche on campus is super important. Whether you're looking to dive into intramural sports or you're thinking about writing for your school's paper, there are a lot of different ways to get involved with campus life. While you're applying, make a list of extracurriculars you might want to try. Maybe you wish your high school had a cooking club or maybe you're hoping to try your hand at Ultimate Frisbee. If you're currently involved in a sport or club that you genuinely love, be sure to keep an eye out for colleges that offer their students those same programs.
Get started: Dying to join an a capella group? Hoping to hone your chess skills? Whatever hobby you heart, CollegeXpress is ready to help you find the schools where you'll shine best.

Click HERE to find the perfect college, plus scholarships and so much more!

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by GL | 4/1/2022
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