Before
I start my blog I want to introduce myself. I do not live
in North Carolina. I am an out-of-state student that absolutely LOVES the state
of North Carolina and the schools NC has to offer. After applying to seven
schools (in and out-of-state), and getting accepted into all seven I chose East
Carolina University because it was the best fit for me. It's still July so
I haven't attended school at ECU but I couldn't be more excited for the fall.
Make
a list of things you want!
I
personally think the best thing to do when choosing a school is to make a list
of characteristics you want in a school. For me I knew I wanted a big school, football
team, a lot of school spirit, preferably somewhere warm, beautiful campus, not
too expensive (in case I needed loans), a campus rather than a city
school, and diversity.
Keep
in mind the cost of your school.
If
you are thinking of out-of-state or a private university I would keep in mind
the cost of the school and how expensive it will be in the long run. You don’t
want to be stuck with loans forever so if you could get some type of scholarship
to help pay your costly university that’s very smart! If not, I would choose a
school that is an inexpensive out-of -state. Most out-of-state schools average
$45,000. ECU is $30k out of state (including room/board), $22k for just tuition…
GREAT DEAL! Private universities can be great schools but easily range from $55,000 to $65,000
Will
you excel academically?
Many
people think that going to the BEST college they got accepted to is obviously
the right move. No. Sometimes you have to think about the long term. You got
straight A’s in high school, will you get good grades at your new school? Where
will you rank academically at your new school? Will you have a good GPA? Will
this college prepare you for the future? If going to a highly ranked, very
prestigious college but getting a low GPA is okay for you, then yes take the
opportunity. Ultimately, think about how YOU will do and how the work will
interfere with your personal life. Will you be able to have a social life? Will
you be stressed 90% of the time?
Think
about the future.
If
you are planning on going to grad school it is crucial you think about that way
before attending your undergrad. For the majority of grad schools, the
university accepts 93-97% in-state, meaning if you went to undergrad in South
Carolina, you have a way better chance of getting into a grad school in South
Carolina than any other state. For me a big reason I chose ECU was because the
grad schools North Carolina has to offer are amazing!!! Duke, UNC Chapel Hill,
Wake Forest and The Brody school of Medicine at ECU… what fantastic grad school
options. If you aren’t thinking about grad school you still have a future to
think about. After your bachelors degree, do you feel the school you went to
prepared you for the workforce?
The
Ultimate Question:
Will
it all be worth it? I think this question is pretty self-explanatory. And when
I say “self-explanatory” I mean you need to explain the real meaning of this
question to yourself and then you need to answer it, yourself. Completely disregard
the insight of your peers. It’s all about you.
My
last piece of advice.
Do
not chose a college based on the name, it’s popularity and how “cool” it will
be to go there. Don’t choose a college to “become a new person”. Choose a
college because you feel like you fit in perfectly. Don’t worry, not everyone
gets “that feeling” but everyone pretty much knows going in “this is the place
for me”.
