Too many options? That's a good problem!

How can one pick between 5,706 options?

When choosing a college to attend I find people are often overwhelmed with all the choices. It IS overwhelming! There are more than 5 thousand of them! Even if you choose you want a public school, that's still almost 2 thousand! But how do you know you want public? A small private school may offer what you are actually looking for!

Working with a professional college counselor like me through UnderwoodC3 can help you narrow down your choices and feel great about options rather than intimidated by them.

Yesterday I met a senior in high school who was making my Wednesday treat - An Iced Americano. I asked her about plans next year and she said she was going to go to college but had no idea which one and where to start. I raised my eyebrows and said How are you feeling about that? It's November! She clearly was in shut down mode because there were too many options and she couldn't clearly articulate what she needs and wants from a school.

My advice? Breathe - These are all good choices. It's just like choosing between an iced americano, an iced latte, and a cold brew. In the end - You get a nice beverage and these are all good choices! It's going to work out :)

How to narrow it down.

1. Before you look at schools - Look inward:

   1. What can you afford?

   2. What do you want to study?

   3. What do you need? Small class sizes? Research opportunities? Close to home? City Life? Grad school options? Honors program?

2. If you can identify your needs and wants, your list is going to go from 5,706 to somewhere around a few hundred or less.

3. Next, Where can I get in?

   1. Identify 2-3 Reach, 2-3 Good fit, and 2-3 Safety

4. Ok now I only have 6-9 options. So visit campus and meet in person or virtually with a professor or academic advisor in your chosen field. Admissions representatives know the most about the university and the process - but the academic unit is who you will ultimately be working with.

   1. Are they kind? welcoming?

   2. Are they helpful?

   3. Will your transfer credit apply toward your degree progress?

   4. What types of student support do they have?

   5. What do they like best about their program?

   6. What qualifications do faculty have?

Chances are, now you're looking at 3 options again. And now these are great choices and it's likely going to work out! Iced Americano, Cold Brew, or Latte? All good options.