College is a big decision to make at a young age. It is easy to feel pressure to make the right decision and to make sure your family and friends are happy with your decision. However, the most important part of this decision is not about the college; it’s about you!

Before going through these questions, it is important to ask yourself about two important things.

Is the College path for me, and why am I choosing this path?

It may feel like going to college is something that you have to do. However, college education is
not for everyone, and this is not a bad thing. Assess why you want to go to college and if that is
God’s will for you.

Do I see this college education enabling me to provide for myself, and will I be in a position to make use of this education?
You need to ask yourself if you will be able to provide for yourself after you graduate with this
education. You also need to ask yourself if you will be able to make use of everything you’ve
learned. Education is always a good thing to pursue but there is a practical side to everything.

Here are some things you can do and questions you can ask yourself to make sure you pick what’s best for you. These questions are listed from most to least important.

Will this college give me the opportunity to grow in my relationship with God?
This is the most important question. While your education or major is a part of your vocation, your purpose in life is to be as close to God as possible. Will the college of choice be beneficial to your relationship with Him? While feedback from those around you is always great, it is important to answer this question yourself. Taking time in prayer will help you to make a good and prudent decision. Regardless of your choice, God will bring good out of it if you are open to Him.

Does this college have a community that I can enjoy?
This question is the second question because those who you surround yourself with is crucial. Making sure that there is a community in which you can make friends and have support will make a world of difference. Do you see yourself being able to get along with the people you will be around for the next four years?

Is this college close enough for me to visit home to the extent that I want?
This question only applies to some people. However, if you already know you are going to have a hard time leaving home, this is extremely important. Some people may tell you distance should not be important. This is simply not true. You have family and close friends and a home where you feel comfortable. If you like a school, but it is very far, it is important to ask yourself if you will be able to stand the distance and adapt to life away from home.

Does this college have the education I want?
You may be surprised that this is not the first or second question. Education might be why you are going to college. However, you will not be able to live out your vocation as a student properly if you are miserable. If you are at a college that provides a great education, but you have no relationship with God, don’t have friends to support you, and are very homesick, you may get by, but you will not be able to flourish. If your answer to the first three questions is yes, then education is the next thing to consider.

Does this college have activities outside of school that I can enjoy?
You will only be doing school part of the time. It is important to consider what else you will be doing. If you like sports, does this school have sports you can participate in? If you like music, dancing, debate or more, can this college give you enjoyable experiences outside of school?

Am I letting people or expectations pressure me into choosing a college?
It is crucial to make this decision for yourself. If your parents, siblings, or friends are pressuring you, remember you are the one going to school, not them. This does not mean you cannot ask for advice; in fact, this is a great thing to do. However, the only people who can make this decision are you and God. If someone is strongly advising you to go or not go to a specific college, ask yourself why. Take a look at their perspective and discern whether you should listen to their advice.

Have I talked to the people who are currently at the college?
It is a great idea to talk to the people who are currently attending the college of your choice. Ask them how their day-to-day life is, what their favorite and least favorite part about the college is, how they chose to attend this college, and much more.

Do the pros outweigh the cons?
Any college will have both pros and cons. It is helpful to make a list of each and how important each one is to you. This can help gain perspective. Make sure to consider the pros and cons that each day may have. You can also ask people if they have any pros or cons to add to your list.

There may be more questions to ask yourself in this process. It is a big decision and takes time. Keep in mind that no choice is final, and you can switch schools or direction if necessary. When you allow God to be with you in these decisions, only good can come.