At the core of my college decision is my passion to one day go to medical school. Instead of the pen deciding life and death, it will be the scalpel. But for now, choosing a college with a reputable STEM program that best aligns with medical school is a key criteria for me. With the path to becoming a doctor demanding 12 years of my life to achieve, I must ensure that each of those years is meaningful. To many, reputations and ranking are just statistics. To me, they are everything. Reputations and rankings of a college are the forge under which world-class doctors are sculpted. From research and clinical opportunities to extracurriculars, finding a reputable college with a STEM program is a must.

Tuition baring its teeth with a laundry list of hidden fees, dorms the size of closets that cost as much as a full-size apartment, and even food with meal plans stealing away thousands. With a myriad of expenses, it’s no wonder that more than half of bachelor’s degree students graduate with student loans. With inflation reaching new peaks, students are drowning under a torrent of student debt. As the cost of college tuition continues to rise by 12% annually, justifying the expense becomes necessary. But it isn’t hopeless. Whether it be grants, scholarships, or even picking up a part-time job, affording college is not a distant dream.

College is a pivotal moment in each of our lives that has the power to shape the path each of us takes in our lives. The four years we invest can either be miserable or one of the greatest times of our lives. This makes the location and environment of the campus a key contributing factor when deciding which college to attend. Maybe the campus will be in a quiet, tight-knit suburban community where everyone is like family. Or maybe, the campus will be in a bustling city full of diverse cultures and experiences. Wherever the college I choose might be, the campus environment is the canvas on which both my personal and academic growth can thrive.