College is a big stepping stone in life. It leads people to bigger and better things and helps those transition from childhood to adulthood. Selecting the right campus is crucial for the success of the student. The top three factors most important to me when selecting a college is location, financial aid, and academic quality. The location of a college for me should be close that I can drive home in a day if needed, but far enough away that I am relying mostly on myself when it comes to responsibilities and tasks. I also prefer being in an in-state campus to avoid out of state tuition, which leads to financial aid. College is expensive, even if it is an instate university.

There are many finances to consider, like books, dorms or apartments, food, and other day to day finances. The total cost of college is very pricey so having financial aid is very important. I have received a few scholarships from outside sources and some grants from my university, which help making payments so much easier. College also takes up a lot of time, so finding time for a job can be difficult, which is why scholarships and grants are very important to me. Lastly, the academic quality is also crucial. Researching your major to find which college fits best is a good step to take. You want to get the most of your education, so finding the right college based on your major will help you to be the most successful.

My major is in engineering and my university is known for their engineering program. College is a big change from what students are used to, so putting in the time and effort to research the best fit should be a number one priority. Getting that knowledge helps students to be successful and have a little knowledge under their belt so they are not walking into a new environment blind. It is also good to ask for help because it should not be expected of anyone to know everything. Although being in college means more responsibilities, still feel comfortable asking for help. College can be the best option for most people, so using these factors to find the right college can help those out in the long run.