Choosing a university to attend can be a strenuous process. There are many aspects to think about when considering where to transfer. It can be a tough decision, especially if you’re unsure of what career you’d like to pursue. But there are many important factors to consider when applying to a college:
School Size:
Transferring from a community college to a four-year university environment can be jarring since universities tend to have much larger student bodies. Before choosing to go to a particular university, one should consider the kind of environment they prefer. If you prefer smaller class sizes, consider applying to smaller colleges such as the University of Montevallo. If you think you might prefer the liveliness of bigger student bodies, consider some of the larger schools, such as the University of Alabama.
Location:
This may be a given, but one should think hard about the area they’ll be choosing to live in for a couple of years, whether it’s urban or suburban, the climate, the cost of living, proximity to loved ones, the local community, etc. Many external factors affect one’s college experience outside of one’s immediate surroundings, and it’s helpful to think long and hard about them.
Campus Culture:
This factor may require finding student opinions at given institutions, but it’s worth considering. Though individual experiences are subjective, the many parts that make up a school’s culture can be a considerable part of one’s experience. One should consider how much they value things such as sports culture, Greek life, cultural and spiritual groups, and academic competitiveness in their college experience.
Access to Opportunities:
Though most schools offer various majors, one should consider the strengths of specific schools’ programs. If you’re interested in marine biology, consider the University of South Alabama. Its proximity to the Gulf Coast and Dauphin Island will likely give anyone interested in the marine sciences a rich educational experience. If you’re interested in healthcare, consider the University of Alabama at Birmingham, which houses medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, nursing, and more programs. And if you’ve considered aerospace engineering, you’ve likely already considered the University of Alabama at Huntsville. Its proximity to NASA, Redstone Arsenal, and the United Launch Alliance (ULA) makes it an excellent option for those interested in the field.
Choosing your next steps after community college can take a lot of time. One of the most helpful first steps one can take is to speak to an advisor. Feel free to set up an appointment with a Calhoun advisor.