This is considered by many to be the most stressful time of the year, when both juniors and seniors are beginning to take a look into their futures. The big decision arises of what college everyone is going choose. Time continues to pass and the decision becomes closer every day. The real question is, how are you going to choose a college?

“Before starting my official college search I was not sure what kind of school I was looking for but after touring different types of schools (big, small, city, campus) I was able to make a list of schools that fit what I deemed as a fit for me,” senior Max Brickman said.

There are several factors to think about when choosing a college, the weather, the location, the size, and the atmosphere. For some people the decision is easier than others.

“I always knew my goals and worked towards them. I always knew where I wanted to go, and now I am going to my dream school because my hard work effort has paid off,” senior Ava Buckley said. 

Once you know what size of college you want you can really develop a list of about 8-13 schools that are best fit for you. It is best to look into schools that have good programs for your specific major.

“Factors that influenced my decision were the business school, school size, the people that attend, the location, school spirit/sports, and Greek life,” Brickman said.

Another factor that is important in picking colleges is whether you are submitting test scores or not. Several colleges require them while most of them are test-optional. 

“I took the ACT. I think it is definitely necessary because it puts you a step up over someone who doesn’t submit scores. Also, it provides evidence of a student’s academic performance and abilities. My experience was very challenging because I took the ACT many times and studied for over a year, but the outcome was worth it,” Buckley said.

However, for some students taking standardized tests aren’t necessary. It really depends on the person, and what colleges they are deciding to apply to. 

“After working for a few months, taking practice tests, and two official ACTs I decided that my score wasn’t improving and that it was not necessary for me to continue in hopes of a higher score. I believe that these tests are not necessary as long as one’s application has other strong points to it and the student is looking at schools that still allow test-optional applications,” Brickman said.

If you have a dream school then it is advised to apply to that school using early decision if they have that option. This increases the chances of being accepted into that college and shows strong confirmed interest. The college application process is really different for everyone and their needs and wants for their future.

Brickman said, “I decided that Syracuse University was the perfect school for me, making my decision very easy to submit an early decision application. I found that Syracuse offered a very happy medium as it is a medium-sized school with a big school feel, has division 1 athletics, and so many academic offerings specifically within the prestigious business school.”