It’s time. For those of you who are high school seniors or parents of those students, or juniors in the preparation mode, this blog is for you. It’s decision time. Now for seniors or soon for juniors, the same information will apply, so take note.
The previous blog posting was about the 6 Considerations for College Majors. Those are great guides for thinking about where you want to go to school and what you want to study. They help to narrow the field. But now, you’ve sent out those applications and the letters of acceptance are being delivered. How will you choose? Will you fall into the trap of going where your best friend goes, lots of peers or school name recognition? Will you choose because Mom or Dad are promoting because it is their Alma Mater?
Making that “Deep Dish” Decision needs to be well grounded in your best interests. After all, you’ve spent years deciding whether you prefer deep dish or thin and crispy pizza and whether you like meat lovers toppings or vegetarian. Buying a $200,000 education is a bit more involved that a $20 pizza. So devote the time necessary to get it right. Where do you believe you culturally fit in, socially have opportunities, geographically have independence and manageability, athletically have an opportunity to live out your sports dream or participate in university events, financially can be educated without incurring unreasonable student debt, and academically above all else – where can you get the program that will serve you best? When it comes down to the final decision, dig deep into the universities offerings of majors to ensure there is a good fit. When you make a college visit, look at the buildings, the technology and even the methods of course delivery to ensure it is right for you. Just because an institution offers a major in business doesn’t mean it offers the area of specialty that is right for you.
So for each college you receive an “Acceptance” look deeper and compare them carefully. Your homework done now will pay off big in securing a four-year, on-time degree in a major you will enjoy and a career path grounded in “Deep Dish” Decision Making.