As high school seniors gear up for graduation, the question of ‘what’s next?’ begins to cause worry for many. The decision of where to attend college and what to study can feel overwhelming. Should you choose a career-driven major or follow your passion? And how do you make this monumental decision without feeling lost in the process? To guide you through this next chapter, Mrs. Kimberly Marks, Cypress Ranch High School’s college advisor, shared her expert advice on making informed, confident choices.

First steps in the college search

The first step, according to Mrs. Marks, is to reflect on your interests, values and goals.  

“The first step is looking at what your end game is, then working backward,” Mrs. Marks said. “So often it is looking at what your career or maybe professional school is, and if you desire to go on to medical school or to a master’s program or something after your initial degree. You want to look at what is the end result you’re looking for, and then, based on that career, back up.”

Once you have thought about your personal preferences, it is time to make a list of potential colleges that offer programs and environments that match your interests. Mrs. Marks suggest beginning with research.

 “What colleges offer that major is often the first step in starting research colleges.” Mrs. Marks said.

Importance of campus culture

When considering which college to attend, a campus culture is often overlooked, but it is essential to consider how a college’s culture will align with your personality and lifestyle. 

“It is critically important to consider the campus culture you are about to embark on and spend the next four years there,” Mrs. Marks said. “It’s going to be where you make connections, friendships and professional relationships over the next four years that may last a lifetime.” 

Whether you are interested in a small liberal arts college or a large university, knowing the campus culture can make all the difference in your college experience. 

Location, size and extracurricular opportunities

When evaluating a college, students often consider factors like location, size and extracurricular opportunities, all of which can influence the overall college experience. Mrs. Marks advises students to think about how these factors align with their lifestyles and goals.

“Are there things for me to do that let you balance your academic and social life?” Mrs. Marks said. “Are there clubs and organizations that let you get involved, and is it a size where you don’t feel overwhelmed, or it doesn’t present challenges?” 

Size is also an important factor Marks expresses.

“Is it a [college] size where you don’t feel overwhelmed, or it doesn’t present challenges, or do you not like the small community feel, where you feel like everybody knows your business… there is a perfect fit for everybody, but it is really digging into research to see if this college meets your needs,” Mrs. Marks said.

Extracurriculars are another crucial element to consider. 

“Are you going to find your people here?” Mrs. Marks said. “Are you going to feel fulfilled personally here? Do they have clubs and organizations that help you get involved?” 

Local vs. far from home

For students debating whether to stay local or attend a school far away, Mrs. Marks emphasizes the importance of weighing the pros and cons. 

“As soon as we cross state lines, the tuition can increase double to triple the cost of an in-state public institution, so you want to be cautious of that,” Mrs. Marks said. 

She also advises that students should take into account factors like travel cost, distance from home and the support system available to them. 

“Are you going to be comfortable if the distance is far enough that you might only be able to afford to get home during your major holidays or your longer weekends?” Mrs. Marks said. “If it involves a flight, then that’s another financial burden that you and your family may face.” 

On the other hand, Marks also expresses that if you are wanting to really indulge in the ‘college culture,’ a school farther away might be a good fit for you. 

“But one of the really neat things about a school like Texas Tech is that almost 75 percent of their students come from more than 400 miles away, so everybody stays on the weekend,” Mrs. Marks said. “When you go just down the road to maybe A&M or UT Austin, a lot of kids leave on the weekends to go home, and so then you’re not building that culture maybe as quickly as you might if you’re willing to go and stay [because] you are all in the same boat, and you are all figuring out this new life together. This bonds you in a way that you can’t get closer to home.”

Financial aid and scholarships

When it comes to choosing a college, financial considerations are a big factor. Mrs. Marks urges students to explore financial aid options early in the process. 

“I think the earlier you start researching and understanding what options are available, the better prepared you are,” Mrs. Marks said.

She advises students to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and research scholarships early, as some opportunities have early deadlines. 

“Make sure you do that FAFSA, look for the scholarships, some of those deadlines come earlier than you think,” Mrs. Marks said.

Uncertainty about majors and careers

It is common for students to feel uncertain about what major to choose, but Mrs. Marks emphasizes that it is okay not to have it all figured out immediately. 

“If you really don’t know what to major in or don’t know what career path, and yet, a college degree is important to you, then start to look at, okay, what am I good at?” Mrs. Marks said.

Mrs. Marks also suggests considering schools that offer career counseling and internships. 

“When you’re unsure, you should find a school that doesn’t require you to declare a major right away that has a very wide variety or broad offerings,” Mrs. Marks said.

Using campus visits and resources

Campus visits, interviews and online resources are invaluable tools for prospective students. 

“It’s knowing what is important to you and not being afraid to ask questions,” Mrs. Marks said. “Be very intentional about seeking out current and maybe even recent students.” 

In addition, she recommends using online tools like virtual tours, social media and school websites to gather as much information as possible. 

“You want to go armed with the information that you’ve already done your online research and go with a list of questions of what’s important to you to find out,” Mrs. Marks said.

Choosing the right college and major is a significant decision, but with the right approach and guidance, it can be an exciting and fulfilling process. Mrs. Mark’s advice emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, research and being open to change. By considering personal goals, campus culture and long-term fit, students can make choices that will set them on the path to success.

“Have a plan because if you don’t have a plan, then you’re planning to fail,” Mrs. Marks said.