How to Make Your College Decision

May 1^st is just around the corner, which means it’s time to make your college decision! Some of you may have already committed, some of you may already know where you’ll likely say yes to, and some of you may be feeling confused and uncertain about choosing a school where you will spend the next chapter of your life. This is a big decision, so it’s totally okay if you’re feeling a mix of emotions and have many thoughts and questions. Here are a few tips to help you make your college decision.

First tip: have an open mind! Truly explore and consider every school that you have been accepted to. Most colleges and universities will host admitted student events to provide you with the opportunity to tour their campus, learn about their programs, and meet students and faculty. Often, attending these events can be a dealmaker or a dealbreaker in deciding whether to attend the school. Sometimes the vibe of a school is more than enough reason to influence your decision. Having an open mind will allow you to consider new opportunities that can change your perspective on where you can see yourself thriving the most.

Second tip: reflect on your personal needs and wants! Every school offers a unique experience to students based on the type of institution, student population, location, special programs, etc. It’s all about finding the right fit for YOU! You may prefer a large research institution in a large metropolitan area, but might thrive better at a small liberal arts college in a more rural or smaller college town. You may choose the school with the top-tier facilities and academic preparation for your future professions. You may want to be either far or close to your family. Or simply, you may attend the school with the best financial aid that makes pursuing higher education the most affordable. Any reason is a valid reason, so it’s very important to ask yourself all the questions you need to find the institution that best aligns with your values and goals.

Third and most importantly: trust your gut! As you begin to narrow down your options, you’ll find the school and accept the one that checks off most, if not all, your boxes. Many students will also not fully understood why, but will choose to attend a school simply because it feels like the right fit. And that’s actually very common! Often many students will attend a school where they least expected and later realize that they made the best college decision by trusting their gut. Our staff in the Office of Admission was once in your shoes too, and here is how some of us made our college decision.

Jaelin Roblin

B.A. Psychology

Hometown: Albany, NY

I went to a small, liberal arts school in central New York. I honestly had no idea what I wanted to do or what experience I wanted coming out of high school, so I applied to a bunch of different colleges and universities. The open curriculum and freedom to explore various academic disciplines in a small-class environment is what ultimately helped me choose my school, and I loved my time there!

Jessie Beeman

B.B.A. Business Administration and Human Resource Management

Hometown: Orange County, CA

My school, to me, just checked off all my boxes. I was looking for things like a bigger school that still had smaller class sizes, school spirit/camaraderie, a great business program, and a good financial aid package. I also knew I wanted to get out of my hometown for a bit, get out of my comfort zone and away from the bubble I’d grown up in. Growing up I lived in a quiet suburb, but my school’s campus was so close to downtown that I got to explore a bit of city life for once. I actually submitted my deposit while on a visit to another school! After seeing my other options in person, I knew that it was the right choice for me.

TJ King

B.A. Sociology

Hometown: Oakland, CA

For my college decision, I knew I would attend a university that offered me an athletic scholarship. My choice ultimately came down to two schools on opposite sides of the country. In the end, I chose to study where I could be close to my home in Oakland. It was important to me that my family was able to watch me play in person.

John Russell

B.S. Business Administration

Hometown: Illinois

For my undergraduate studies, I chose to attend my school, after learning that the director of my favorite movie, John Singleton, attended. I was inspired by how he used the school to help make his dream come true. I also chose to attend after hearing how highly my parents spoke about it to me. I experienced life in Los Angeles as a child before moving to another state, but I wanted to experience life in the city as an adult, and this was my pathway for that.

Rosa Garcia

B.A. Political Science

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

I chose to attend my alma mater for my undergraduate experience because of its strong academic excellence and the sense of community I knew I would find there. As a first-generation student, it was important for me to be at a school where I could both feel supported and challenged, surrounded by a diverse student population and opportunities to explore new interests. My school gave me the chance to grow academically while also finding spaces where I truly felt like I belonged.

Be confident in your college decision and confident in yourself that you will be successful wherever you go! Fight On!

Written By: Marlin Banuelos, Assistant Director – USC Office of Undergraduate Admission