The college process is a pivotal moment in many young people’s lives. During this time you meet friends and pick a major that will hopefully lead to a career. For some, they plant down roots where they went to college. So when making such an important decision, what should be the key factors? 

Many argue academics are the only factor that matters.  However many other students choose to think larger than that and take into consideration how good at sports the school is, the social atmosphere, and the overall “vibe” of the student body. Ultimately, the question is how to balance the importance of having fun and the future that is being set up by your college decision. 

Some will argue that four years of fun is not worth as much as the decades built upon your college education. Whether it helps you get into grad school or go straight into the job market, the college you attend does matter. Additionally, some may argue that any college is fun, as every college has sports, and people from all walks of life. When you put it into perspective NVD has only 1,000 kids. So really a school with 3,000 is significantly bigger, so the opportunities to meet new people and friends are not limited to big schools. 

However, on the other hand, some people argue that you only live once, and your college years are a time to have fun and live out your last moments of freedom before responsibilities set in. A vibrant campus life and strong school spirit enhance the college experience, by providing students with a sense of community, belonging, and opportunities for personal growth. Many argue that being more engaged and connected is important to academic success and overall happiness. It can also lead to valuable social and networking opportunities, which can be beneficial for the rest of your life. 

There can be a balance in finding the right college for you. Happiness is important, and enjoying your college experience should be something that is considered. However, it is also important to balance that with the reminder that this is a stepping stone in your future and that means academic opportunities should be prioritized. Thankfully in the Northeast alone, there are thousands of college options and that means many opportunities to find the right pick for you.