5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Applying to College
When college admission times roll around, many individuals can find themselves getting overwhelmed.
There is so much to think about, certain choices to make, and sometimes it might not even be your desired path.
In this article, we are going to go over five questions that you should ask yourself before applying to college. Interested? Then keep on reading.
#1 Is this what I really want?
The very first thing you should ask yourself before going down the path of applying is if this is what you really want. There are many alternatives to college that can take you just as far in life.
Studying isn’t for everyone, and if it’s not what you desire, you shouldn’t be ashamed of it. It’s much better to choose something that you love, instead of paying for a degree that you will never use or dropping out half-way.
#2 Where do I want to go?
If you do decide that college is the right choice for you, then you’ll also want to consider where you would like to go.
With over 4000 different degree-granting academic facilities, there are plenty of options. Obviously, you will want somewhere that offers a degree in your chosen field, but this shouldn’t be the only thing you consider. Housing, available jobs, and family can all play a factor.
Alternatively, you can also look into enrolling in an online degree program. Which is much less expensive and more flexible than a traditional college. Universities such as Rasmussen offer over 30 fully online degree programs—from Certificates and Diplomas to Associate’s, Bachelor’s, and Master’s programs.
#3 Can I afford this?
College is expensive, so one thing you want to ask yourself is how you are going to afford everything. When you think about it, it’s not just the repayments you need to worry about.
There is also the average cost of living that you need to take into consideration.
Housing, groceries, and bills can all add up! While you can find yourself a part-time job or consider borrowing money, you don’t want to end up in too much debt, as this can affect you after your graduation.
#4 How can I prepare for my application?
The next thing you’ll want to do is think about how you are going to prepare for your application. The process can be stressful, and you want to make sure you have the best changes possible at getting into your chosen school.
Practice makes perfect, so start writing essays and get a friend to help you with a mock interview. If you are still worried about the admissions process, check out these college admissions tips for more advice.
#5 What career do I want to pursue?
Finally, another question that you need to ask yourself before applying to college is what career you want to pursue.
While you can just go ahead and pick a degree, you want to ensure that it sets you up for your dream job. Otherwise, you may end up with a piece of paper that you never use.
By asking yourself all of the above questions, you can decide whether college is the right decision for you. You’ll be more prepared, less stressed, and be ready to take on your applications as soon as possible.
Good luck!