Which Campus is Right for You?

By Quetzal Mama • April 1, 2014

Which Campus is Right for You?

So you’ve gotten into some pretty decent schools? Now that you've celebrated and updated your Facebook status, the calendar is ticking . . . the May 1 “SIR” or Statement of Intent to Register” is looming. For students who are having difficulty determining which campus to select, I’m sharing some practical considerations.

Below are the factors I recommend students consider when deciding between campuses:

(1) It’s all about the Benjamins, baby! Which campus is offering you a better financial aid package? The name of the game is earning a 4-year degree in the shortest amount of time with the least amount of debt. Make sure you are comparing “apples to apples” as each campus has leverage to offer you different perks – whether it is a work study, grants, merit scholarships, etc.

(2) Success Metrics! Which campus boasts the best graduation rates? Don’t just look at the campus graduation rate overall, but consider your specific major. It is also critical to know which types of programs exist for your particular situation. For example, do they offer a Summer Bridge Program? What about a program for first generation college students? Stack the deck in your favor! Make sure you are at a campus that offers you the greatest odds to succeed.

(3) Leverage for graduate school! I know it sounds early to be thinking about this, but the time will fly. If graduate school is a likely option, consider which of the two would be more advantageous in terms of the major and access to extracurricular activities (research, community service, etc.) Don’t just look at the competitiveness of the campus overall, consider the competitiveness for students IN YOUR MAJOR who are subsequently admitted to a competitive graduate school campus.

(4) Always, always, always visit the school before making your decision. It is easy to look at images online, enjoy campus-produced videos, or peruse brochures. However, there is nothing like actually being at the campus and feeling the “vibe.” I have many students who have told me they were 100% reading to sign their SIR until they visited the campus. Some said, “There is no way. I just didn’t get a good vibe.” Others said, “I couldn’t see myself there. I didn’t feel it would be a good match for me.”

(5) Is there a good academic match? If both campuses offer the same major, you should consider who will be teaching and what you will be learning. Are the professors and research programs tailored to your current and future interests? For example, when I selected UC San Diego, I reviewed the biographies of all of the professors that would be teaching in my program. At least 3 professors had significant research concerning low-income students and pathways to college - so this was a big deal. And, the program had a Social Justice emphasis – which was in line with my philosophy. If all things are equal, then you will want to be in a program that is the most meaningful to you and most relevant to your future interests.

(6) Job prospects. In terms of the discipline you are pursuing, which campus gives you greater access (and more diversity) to local employers? This is a big deal when you wish to work a part-time job, or do a local internship. For example, I had a student last year who couldn't decide between Berkeley and UCLA. Her major was pre-med. For me, it was a no-brainer! I recommended UCLA because they have a research institution and a hospital on campus. Berkeley did not offer this. She chose Berkeley over UCLA - but not for her future outlook. She had pressure from her family. She is now feeling it because she is not finding local opportunities that would help her be a more competitive candidate for med school.

(7) Social Life. I know the social aspect might seem big now. You are leaving your home, friends, and comfort zone and venturing out into a new territory. Sometimes there will be a significant “culture shock” and other times it is merely the distance that seems shocking. However, keep in mind that whether you are 50 miles, or 500 miles away from family and friends, it will be difficult to be a social butterfly as a full-time college student. You will have very limited time for visiting friends and family as your priority will become reading and studying. Therefore, the social life aspect must not be a priority when considering which campus to select. Unless you feel the change would create an undue hardship and cause psychological harm, then it is best to focus on other considerations to sway your decision.

Ultimately, you are the only person who will be sitting in the university hall, doing the work, and earning the grades. Take advice and gather opinions so that you can make the best decision for YOU! Good luck!

—Quetzal Mama