Making Your College Decision by Malcolm Ferrouillet

As a twenty-year-old, I most likely have not been put into too many stressful situations in my life yet. I beg to differ. My most stressful situation was deciding and choosing what college I would make my home for the next four years. Many might think that you got into USC, so why didn’t you commit on the spot, or why would you even wait for other schools to come up with their offers? It was not that simple for me, since I didn’t know much about USC. Also, I never dreamed about ever attending any University on the West Coast unless a friend from back home would go to school, and I would pay them a visit for the weekend. 

Background about myself: I am from New Orleans, Louisiana, the most fantastic city in the universe. I love my city, and even though I knew that I would one day leave home to attend college, it did not really hit me until I had to make a decision that I would call a new city my home for the next four years. Choosing a college is just one of the many decisions you will make, but I want to show you how it can be easier than you think. For many of us, creating a series of decisions is a part of our everyday lives. For example, we pick out something to wear the night before an important interview to prepare for a new life chapter. All you can do is think about the outfit that is just right. While this might be a walk in the park for many, it can be a stressful thought and task for some. These decisions come with lots of anxiety as you carry inside your head thoughts such as “What will others think of me?” One of your most significant decisions is deciding what college you will attend for the next four years. While this is a tough decision, it does not have to be one that you think will make or break you. With some insight and guidance, you will end up where you want to go and where you belong. 

For me, making my college decision was so tough mentally; I found myself having nightmares about where I should decide. I was mostly worrying about making the wrong choice or how others would react once I made my decision. I could feel the pressure that I blamed on society and those around me, but it was the perfectionist in me that wanted to please everyone. I had to step back and remember that I would make it only for myself when I decided. Here’s some advice I will offer you as you go through your journey with college admissions.  

If you can do so before committing to a college or University, please visit the campus and the facilities you will be using the most on campus. This includes but is not limited to, looking at dorm life and determining if you think that you will like living there. Housing is one of the most important factors when it comes to the success of a college student. You want to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible so that you can be your absolute best for class and other activities on campus. Dorm life is one of the best parts of your college experience and should be cherished. You will meet many amazing people and make lifetime memories in such a short amount of time in your first year. 

If you can do so, attend an admitted students event at your top University to view the classrooms and resources where you will be spending a good amount of time in your college career. For example, if Annenberg is your top choice and you want to pursue a journalism major, I suggest you and your families visit the Annenberg buildings. Step inside a classroom, tour the media center, sit behind the main anchor desk in Studio C, and see if it is best for you. 

A mentor passed this advice down to me, and I attempt to pass it along to someone whenever possible. When you can visit one of the colleges you are interested in attending, get a cup of coffee or whatever you want to drink, sit on a bench, and take in the atmosphere. Watch how the other students interact, see them walk to class, and imagine if you can see yourself being in that large group of students heading to class.

For those so eager for college that you begin looking as early as middle school, you should research university pre-college programs that allow you to get on campus earlier than the first year. These programs will enable you to spend a few weeks on a college campus, take classes, and interact with real-life professors. You will learn how dining halls work and make many friends who will be your classmates when you go to college. 

Now, this is something that made me choose my University, and it is something that can win anyone over. Attempt to connect with a current student in the major you are looking at or are committed to. Having a peer mentor will give you a quick insight into your coursework and have someone guide you through the entire process. I have been fortunate to have a mentor who has guided me, and I am so thankful that I could get a current student perspective. When you go for a college visit, you will often interact with admissions directors and professors, but current students offer a perspective unlike any other. 

The most important thing you must ask yourself before deciding is whether you are alright with being away from home. I took a leap of faith and decided to attend a University almost two thousand miles from home. While some dream of the day they get to leave their hometown and never return, some have never imagined life without seeing their friends and family every day. While you may feel homesick sometimes, remember why you decided to apply to so many colleges and universities nationwide. You are so smart and have worked hard to continue your education that fear should never get in the way. Four years will fly by so fast, and you will be back home for various breaks before you can even blink your eyes. 

I wish you all the best in your college decisions and for those who will be applying to college in the fall. Follow your heart and dreams when deciding what you want to do in your life. These four years are a time that you will never get back. Enjoy your time and make your mark on campus. Show the world that you did not come to be a student but to set the standard. Those who are applying should never feel intimidated by statistics. Apply, and it will all work out for you in the end. Every sacrifice you have made up to this point will pay off once you get to college. God Bless & Fight On!