So you’ve submitted applications to all your top-choice schools, and now you’re getting those coveted big envelopes in the mail. Hearing ‘yes’ from multiple colleges is a huge reason to celebrate, but it can also come with a sense of pressure to make the “right” choice. And because there’s no secret formula for selecting your best-fit school, here are some tips I’ve collected to help guide (and organize) your college decision-making process.

Visit, Visit, & Visit Again

This one’s a no-brainer, but it’s all about getting on (or back on) those college campuses. There are a lot of reasons why visiting is so important, but the chance to connect with current students, professors, and staff is at the top of my list. That’s because these interactions can tell you a lot about the kind of experience you’d have as a student at that institution. During your visit, were the professors accessible? Did the students give you good vibes? Can you see yourself finding mentors who’d invest in you and your goals? 

Most colleges (like RMC!) host special events just for admitted students. This is where you’ll get answers to the questions that’ve been on your mind, and meet some of the people who’ll play a big role in your college experience. So even if you’ve visited before, make plans to visit again after you’ve been accepted. I guarantee you’ll see things in a different light, and will leave with a better sense of whether or not a place feels like home.

Don’t Keep It to Yourself

This doesn’t have to be (and shouldn’t be) a decision you make solo. Whether it’s parents, teachers, counselors, or just a close friend—talk it out with someone you trust. This is a good time to remind yourself of all the things that excite you, and to also confront some of the things that make you hesitate. Getting an outsider’s perspective can help reframe your thinking when it comes to some of those common college worries. Is it a valid concern, or is it just a fear of the unknown? Either way, it’s never a bad idea to get a different outlook.

Get an Insider’s Perspective

I alluded to this above, but it’s one that’s worth mentioning again.You’ll want to get to know the students at the schools you’re considering—now’s not the time to hold back! These are the people who are living the experience you’re about to have, and are the ones who’ll offer the most direct insight into what life will look like. This is your time to ask questions about classes and professors, opportunities to get involved, things to do for fun, and whatever else is on your mind. Getting this kind of perspective will make it much easier to get a clearer picture of your next four years. When it comes to RMC, all you need to do is email us at admissions@rmc.edu and we’ll get you connected to a current student.

Consider First-Year Support

The first year of college is a huge transition for most students, so it’s important to know how you’ll be supported throughout that adjustment period. You’ll want to make sure that your future college home offers intentional programming and resources that are designed to set first-year students up for success. At RMC, you’ll be assigned a Captain the summer before you arrive. This is a peer advisor and upperclassmen who’ll help you navigate the academic and social transition to college. Your Captain will introduce you to campus life, help facilitate social connections, and will even co-lead your YJ Success Strategies course. TL;DR: you’ll start college with a built-in guide who’ll be a go-to source of support when you need it most.

Know This: There Might be More than One Right Answer

What are the top 3 things you’re looking for in your future college home? My guess is that you applied (and were accepted!) to multiple schools that fit those criteria. So I hope you’ll forget this common sentiment of having one, ‘soulmate’ college. In fact, there’s probably more than one school where you’ll feel you could belong. There are multiple places where you’ll thrive as a student, friend, and as an individual. So take some of the pressure off, and trust that your gut will steer you in the right direction. (Your gut, and all your careful research, of course.) 

Our Vice President for Enrollment Management, Brenda Poggendorf, shares the following advice for college-bound students who are torn between two (or more) schools:   

“The spreadsheets with all the facts and figures play an important role, but don’t underestimate the value of what your heart is telling you. Find your favorite place to think and reflect. Block out the facts and figures for a few moments and quietly listen to your heart and what it is telling you. Where will you blossom the most if planted there? At the end of the day, that is what we want for you—to find a college where you will take advantage of the resources important to you and then become the best version of yourself you can.”

And with that, I’ll leave you with the following reminder: The admissions team at Randolph-Macon College is here to support you through each step of your decision-making process. Reach out to us via email: admissions@rmc.edu or schedule a 1:1 virtual meeting with your admissions counselor!