Selecting the right school for you is a very personal decision that should be based on what
you like to do, what you want to be, how much you can afford, and where you want to live
for the next few years. You should approach the decision with a clean slate and evaluate
your options carefully. The choices may seem overwhelming, but a little research goes a long way.
If you know what you want to be, you have just made your decision easier because you have
narrowed the search down to colleges that offer that career as a major area of study.
Do you know where you want to live? If so the decision is easier. You have narrowed your
options to a certain area of the country, or maybe you ruled out "big city" universities,
or "small, rural" colleges.
Knowing what your family can afford helps you narrow the search to colleges that fall in that price range.
The point is: the more you know about you, the easier it is to pick a college.
Don’t get caught in the "one or none" trap. Keep your options open by investigating more
than one school and apply to several.
Keep in mind now is the time to be asking questions. Talk to your parents, guidance
counselors, friends that have already chosen a college, and older siblings. Listen to
every bit of information to help you make the decision. Remember, this is your decision.
Keep your goals and interests as the key factor in picking what college you attend.
Always remember if you have a question about anything on this site, feel free to
drop us a note at outreach@ismloans.org
and we’ll be happy to answer or elaborate on an item that is confusing or unclear.