If You Can’t Decide Between Two Schools, Here’s One Way to Pick
If you’re trying to decide between two colleges, you’ve already done something remarkable: you’ve been accepted to not one but two of your top choices! That’s no small feat. But now comes the hard part – choosing between two schools that each offer something valuable (and possibly very different) for your future.
This choice can feel overwhelming – but a thoughtful, step-by-step approach to your decision can help you gain clarity and confidence. Here are some key factors to consider as you move toward making your final choice.
1. Revisit Your Priorities
Take a moment to reflect on what matters to you the most when it comes to your higher education journey. Your priorities might include strong academic programs, access to research opportunities, a vibrant campus life, a specific location or the school’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Try listing your top five “must-haves,” or the non-negotiables you need for your college experience, followed by the top “nice-to-haves,’ and see how each school stacks up. That may make one school rise to the top fairly quickly.
2. Look Beyond the Academics
While academics should be a major factor in your decision, don’t overlook the importance of the overall environment. Ask yourself where you will be happiest and most motivated to grow. Campus size, student culture, extracurricular offerings, and even the meal plans and dorm life can shape your experience in significant ways.
Do you prefer a close-knit community with small class sizes, or do you thrive in a larger, more diverse setting? Think about the kind of environment that will allow you to flourish socially and emotionally, not just academically.
3. Consider the Financial Pictures
College is a major financial investment, so it’s important to weigh money factors with care. Compare your financial aid packages from each school side by side and look at more than just the tuition sticker price. Pay attention to scholarships, grants, work-study opportunities and estimated out-of-pocket costs. Remember that the cost of living can vary significantly between two areas.
Also, consider any long-term financial implications, such as whether you’ll need to take on student loans, and how much debt you’ll carry after graduation. A more affordable option might free you up to pursue opportunities like internships, study abroad or even graduate school.
4. Explore the Campus or Speak with Admissions
If you haven’t yet visited the campuses of your final two choices, now is a great time to do so. Campus visits can provide invaluable insight into the day-to-day atmosphere and whether you feel comfortable and energized in that environment.
If visiting in person isn’t possible, schedule virtual tours or one-on-one meetings with admissions counselors. Many colleges also offer student panels, webinars or even the chance to connect directly with current students. These experiences can offer a more personal glimpse into campus culture than brochures or websites alone can provide.
5. Seek Advice – But Trust Your Instincts
It’s helpful to talk with people you trust – teachers, mentors, family members or even current students at each college. They may raise important points or ask questions you haven’t considered. But while input from others can be valuable, remember that this is ultimately your decision.
Trust yourself to know where you feel most at home, where you feel inspired, and where you believe you will receive the most support in becoming the person you want to be.
6. Try a Gut Check
If you’re still torn, here’s a simple exercise: imagine you’ve chosen one school. How do you feel? Excited? Relieved? Disappointed? Sometimes your initial emotional reaction reveals what your subconscious has known all along.
Another way to test this is by flipping a coin. Not to make the decision for you – but to help you get in touch with your feelings and determine which outcome you’re secretly hoping for while the coin is in the air.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between two great options is a good problem to have – but it’s still a challenge. There may not be a single “right” answer, and that’s okay. Both paths can lead to a successful college experience. What matters most is choosing the school that aligns best with who you are now – and who you want to become. Trust the process and trust yourself. You’re closer to the right decision than you think.
