I’ve met people who, from a young age, have a dream college.
As soon as they are forced to start considering schools to attend after high school, they seem to know exactly where they want to go. Or at least where they want to apply.
Maybe it’s just me, but I’ve never had that. I knew which colleges my parents went to, and when I was in eighth grade, my eldest sister went to college. None of the schools that my family went to ever appealed to me any more than any other school throughout my youth. I know people who love a college because their mom or dad went there. Or maybe both parents, their siblings, cousins, friends. Somebody they love went/goes there, and suddenly they want to be there too. I can’t relate.
Ever since I started seriously considering colleges around tenth grade, a couple have stood out for different reasons. But after a while, whatever it was about the school that appealed to me faded. I wasn’t overly excited about the prospect of any of them.
The closest I got to surety was the University of Pittsburgh. Around October of this year, I realized that I wanted to apply. With a 49% acceptance rate, I decided to give it a shot. I figured all I had to lose was the effort in trying. So when I found out that I got in, I was very excited. I visited campus, and when people asked me about college, I told them that I was seriously considering Pitt. People have their opinions about the campus, or lack thereof, but I have always loved the city. That never really bothered me. The small dorms, the crazy amount of students; none of these things truly dissuaded me.
In the end, it was the price. When I finally got my full financial aid package back a few weeks ago, I was horrified to realize that I could not afford to attend Pitt. It didn’t shock me that it was expensive; it shocked me just how expensive it was. Maybe I should be ashamed to say that I can’t afford it, but the truth is: it isn’t my fault. College is outrageously expensive, and I have to foot the bill. My 17-year-old self has to make a financially responsible decision that I will feel the effects of for many years to come, and attending Pitt just wouldn’t be one. So, even if it sucks to sacrifice what I may think that I want, I know that down the road, when I’m paying off my student loans, I will be grateful that I took the cheaper route.
Which leads me to my next problem: where do I go to school? I want to go relatively close, but every school around here is private, which means just as expensive, if not more so. All other colleges within a reasonable distance have fewer than 1,000 students, which is basically Knoch part 2. I guess I’m headed to 13th grade.
As I am writing this, I just had another college conversation with a teacher, and then I got an email that says, “Are you feeling stressed or anxious about life after high school?” Where are the cameras? How do I explain to someone that I just don’t know what to do? When I think about my future, I feel like I’m staring at a blank wall. There is nothing there. How am I supposed to choose a place to spend the next four years if I can’t even visualize myself anywhere in the future?
I’m sure I’m not the only person in the world who feels this way. So if you are like me, Knoch students have some advice for you.
“Write a pros and cons list on everything from the school. Make sure you can actually see yourself at the school; don’t just go for the bells and whistles of the school, like the football team,” said senior Landon Harrison.
Harrison is committed to Slippery Rock University for physical therapy.
“It’s close to home, I like the campus, and it is very good for my major,” said Harrison.
He considered other colleges, but none were quite the right fit.
“I really looked into Bowling Green State University and Chatham University, but they were both too far from home and not my vibe,” said Harrison. “Cost, dorms, and overall academics were most important to me. I really like SRU’s colors, white and green, it is closer to home, and I get my own bathroom.”
I have noticed that others share my sentiment: they want to stay close to home. Relatively.
“I was seriously considering Arcadia University in Philadelphia as my second option. It was just too far from home for me,” said senior Braylee Ireland.
Ireland is committed to Washington and Jefferson College, majoring in biology and joining the wrestling team.
“The staff and student body are kind and welcoming, and everything is personalized. The wrestling coach, program, and academics are amazing. Good academics and athletics are definitely most important to me,” said Ireland.
I love hearing why people chose the college they did because it helps me seriously consider the colleges that I am interested in. It forces me to think about why it is that I might want to go there.
“Pick the college that makes you feel most comfortable and at home,” said Ireland.
Whereas some of us will bask in Pennsylvania weather for the foreseeable future, others will be exploring all-new climates.
“I will be attending the University of Kentucky next year,” said senior Neah Ewing. “The location, the business school, the campus, the dorms, and the people convinced me that this was the place for me!”
Ewing’s decision didn’t come easily. Many students limited their search to Pennsylvania schools, but Ewing considered many places and many states.
“High Point University was too formal, Coastal Carolina University was too far from home, and Appalachian State University just wasn’t a fit. Education and job placement after school were my priorities when looking. As well, when I was touring, I was looking to see how helpful the staff were,” said Ewing.
Choosing where to spend your next few years is no easy feat, and this proved true in Ewing’s search.
“My mom made me make a pros and cons list. I would recommend doing that and trying to visualize where you can actually see yourself,” said Ewing.
After everyone’s advice, I definitely need to make myself a pros and cons list.
I think Ewing’s words are a shared sentiment by most who graduate: “I love Knoch, but I’m excited to see where my future takes me!”
