Find the Right School For You
Ok, it’s senior year and everyone seems to be asking that golden question, “Where are you going to school next year?” You can’t seem to escape the pressures of family and friends wanting you to choose their alma mater because they had a great experience. While their opinions are valuable, remember that your college education is an important investment in yourself and your future, which is why the decision should be your choice.
If you haven’t chosen your school yet, it’s okay—don’t panic! But let’s start taking the steps to making that college dream a reality. Education goes beyond the classroom, so it’s important to consider what your overall college life will be like when you choose your school. Ask yourself these questions: Do you want to be close to home? Do you want a small or large campus? Do you want to go to a school known for accounting in particular? Is grad school in the cards for you? Are you looking to get involved in student-led groups? Make a list of all the things you’d like to have and go from there.
Here are some things you should also do or consider before selecting a school:
Visit the Campus
While most schools would like for you to schedule an appointment before coming on campus, it’s good to make an unscheduled visit to get a better feel for what the campus is like on a normal day. If you can’t make the trip in person, consider a virtual tour of the campus through something like CollegeWeekLive then if you really like the school, take the time for an actual visit.If you’re visiting a smaller school, it may mean you want a more personal experience. If that’s the case, take note of how many people say hi as you walk by, ask if you need help or simply smile. Casually roam around the business school. Do accounting professors seem to be available for office hours? If you prefer to visit a larger school, pay attention to what your walk to class will be like. Are there shuttles or campus buses available that will make getting to class easier? These seem like minor details, but are some aspects that don’t always get covered on a tour or in a discussion with an admissions counselor.
Attend an Open House
Now that you’ve visited some campuses and narrowed it down to a few you really like, register to attend their next open house. This will give you the opportunity to meet the admissions team and enjoy the red carpet activities they’ve planned for you. You’ll also get a second chance to explore the campus, perhaps sit in on an actual class, talk with current students and see if things are as you remembered. A second visit could help you make a more definitive decision.
Make an Appointment with an Admissions Counselor and Explore Your Options
When you’ve decided which school is the best fit for you, it’s now time to meet with an admissions counselor. Before you go in for your appointment, make sure to draft a list of questions you need answered. What’s tuition with room and board? What classes are available for accounting majors? Any famous accounting alumni? Are dorms co-ed? Are meals included in tuition? What scholarships are available? These and many other questions will help you make a final decision on which school best fits you.
Don’t let this process intimidate you. Start early and take your time, college will be one of the best times of your life—we promise!
Real-Life Accounting Student
Isabella Martinez
Senior | DePaul University
Accounting
“You are a collection of your experiences, so seek out as many challenging and significant moments as you can. College is the best time of your life, enjoy every bit of it!”
In a conversation about the college decision process, my high school guidance counselor told me something that, at the time did not seem very relevant. Yet, as I continued to think about which college I would attend and the activities I would participate in while there, his words of wisdom echoed in my mind. "You must decide if you want to be a big fish in the lake or a small fish in the ocean." As simple as this seems, it has truly helped guide me in my professional and academic endeavors.
Personally, my decision to attend DePaul University was one tied in the 'big fish in the lake' approach. I decided to attend a smaller school that would offer condensed class sizes, more individualized attention and specific programs targeted at my career ambitions. This is not to say attending a larger school would have been the wrong choice, it just was not an appropriate fit for me. I feel my decision put me in an environment that allowed me to cultivate my skill set as a student and a professional. Working in small groups, establishing relationships with my professors, taking on several leadership roles on campus and more have really allowed me to have personal growth.
Despite the school you choose to attend, it’s important that you become active. Being an active student is essential for success. And being a successful student does not only consist of acing every course. There are many other ways to prepare yourself for a promising career, and your resume won’t look too shabby either:
- Find an informal mentor: This person can be a professor, co-worker, academic/career counselor or positive peer. An individual with excellent insight and usually successful.
- Get Involved: Pursue organizations pertaining to your field of study/personal interests. Volunteer work is great experience and a resume builder.
- Build Relationships: Become affiliated with professors and classmates. Build effective relationships. Apply for internships to receive the experience and direct networking possibilities.
- Be a Leader: Don’t follow the crowd. Expand your horizons. Be your own individual with personal goals to achieve and a matching work ethic.
The message I am trying to convey to you is go above and beyond and try new things regardless of the location. You will notice that all of your experiences will build a finished product….you! Participating in several organizations on and off campus, working different jobs, taking various classes, applying to what may seem as ‘out of reach’ programs will all provide you with abundance of knowledge that will propel you as a stronger leader and well-rounded individual. Find what works for you. All campuses provide these resources to become your best, so use them. You are a collection of your experiences, so seek out as many challenging and significant moments as you can. College really is the best time of your life, enjoy every bit of it!
Favorites
Favorite Movie:
Gladiator
Favorite Class in High School:
English Composition
Favorite Sport:
Soccer
More About Me:
If I Won a Million Dollars I Would:
Continue my studies pursing an MBA and PhD. Further, I would begin to establish my own financial literacy and not-for-profit organization in my native location, Latin American.
Dream Vacation:
Travel throughout Greece
Best Advice I Ever Received:
Stop wearing your wishbone, where your backbone should be.