A Problem-Solving Approach for Rising High School Seniors: Choosing the Right College

By Valarie R. Austin, June 11th, 2024, 1:30 PM EDT

(Previously published on LinkedIn)

As rising high school seniors, the summer brings an exciting yet challenging decision: choosing the right college. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the college enrollment rate for high school graduates in October 2023 was 61.4 percent, a slight decrease from 62.0 percent in October 2022. However, data from the Education Data Initiative reveals that among “first-time bachelor's degree seekers, 25.7% ultimately drop out, and up to 40% of all undergraduate students drop out.” This significant decision requires a problem-solving mindset to navigate the complexities of selecting the best institution for your future and increasing your chances of college success. During the summer and early fall, there is ample time to take action and turn your college aspirations into a well researched and thoughtful decision.

The first step in problem-solving is to understand the problem. In this case, the problem is selecting a college that aligns with your goals, needs, and circumstances. Start by clearly defining what you want from your college experience. Consider your academic and career goals, personal preferences like location and size, and the type of campus culture you will thrive in. By understanding these factors, you create a clear picture of your ideal college, making it easier to navigate the decision-making process.

1. Involve Your Stakeholders

Your college decision affects not just you but also your family. Engage with your parents or guardians to gather their perspectives. Discuss their concerns and expectations. It is crucial to avoid feeling pressured by their preferences while considering their insights.

2. Research and Prioritize

Once you have a clear understanding of what you want, research potential colleges. Utilize resources like BigFuture.CollegeBoard.org to gather information about different institutions. Consider factors such as affordability, academics, career outcomes, and campus life. However, remember to prioritize the factors that are most important to you, as different students may have different priorities.

o Affordability: Discuss in detail with your parents about tuition, scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Compare financial aid offers from different schools.
o Academics: Look into the academic reputation of the colleges. Research the majors and programs they offer, and consider how they align with your career goals.
o Career Outcomes: Investigate the career support services each college offers, such as internships, job placement rates, and alumni networks.

3. Evaluate with a Decision Matrix

With your research in hand, evaluate your options. Create a list of pros and cons for each college based on the factors that matter most to you. Consider developing a weighted scoring system or decision matrix to help you objectively compare and rank your options based on your priorities. Factors to evaluate include:

o Academics: Does the school offer a diversity of majors and fields of study? Do the majors align with your potential career options?
o Location: Do you prefer a college close to home or in a new city? Think about the climate, city size, and distance from family. Also, consider out-of-state tuition costs versus in-state tuition costs for publicly funded schools.
o Resources and Support: Evaluate the support systems available, such as mental health services, career centers, and academic tutoring.
o Campus Culture: Consider the social environment and extracurricular activities. Will you feel comfortable and engaged on campus?

4. Seek Diverse Perspectives

Before making a final decision, seek input from trusted, knowledgeable sources. This could be a teacher, counselor, mentor, even current college students, or alumni who know you well and can offer an objective perspective. They might highlight aspects you had not considered.

5. Visit the Campuses

If possible, visit the campuses of your top choices over the summer. A visit can give you a real feel for the environment and help you visualize yourself there. Pay attention to the facilities, talk to current students, and attend any informational sessions.

6. Make an Informed Decision

After gathering all the information and input, it is time to make your decision. Choose the safety, target, and reach colleges that best fit your academic, financial, and personal needs. Remember, these choices are about finding the right environment where you can thrive and reduce your chances of becoming part of the dropout statistic.

7. Prepare Applications Strategically

Once you have narrowed down your college choices, prepare your applications strategically. Write and finalize your application essays, highlighting your achievements and aspirations. Obtain and submit any required letters of recommendation. Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to explore financial aid options. Ensure you meet all application deadlines and requirements for each college on your list. According to a CollegeRaptor.com article, the next step after your application submissions is to check and follow-up on the status of your applications.


Call to Action

The journey to selecting the right college is a critical decision that will shape your future success and happiness. By approaching this decision with a problem-solving mindset, you have the power to navigate the complexities and make an informed choice that aligns with your goals, needs, and aspirations. Take the first step by clearly defining your priorities and researching colleges that match your criteria. Seek diverse perspectives, visit campuses, and objectively evaluate your options. Embrace this process with confidence, knowing that your diligence and strategic approach will lead you to the right college fit, where you can thrive and achieve your full potential.

Remember, the right college is out there, waiting for you to seize the opportunity. Embark on this journey with determination and a problem-solving mindset, and you will unlock a future filled with personal growth, academic success, and lasting fulfillment. Have a great and meaningful summer!

 

Valarie R. Austin is a successful keynote speaker and the author of “The Student’s Comprehensive Guide for College & Other Life Lessons.” She has a wealth of knowledge on the subjects of career and college readiness. She also conducts career and college workshops/training sessions for high school students, parents and transitioning military members. Check out her author’s pages on https://www.linkedin/in/valarie-r-austin, https://www.goodreads.com/valarie_r_austin and https://www.amazon.com/author/valarie_r_austin. A Youtube.com review of her book can found at https://youtu.be/xy_GSHlJsa0. (Article 2 of 3, summer 2024)