Hey guys! My poll didn’t get many participants so I decided to switch up the topic a little. Thinking back over my college years, I realize there are a few things that I wished I would have done differently. So this is how I came up with the “Don’ts” when choosing a college. Some are from experience and some are just my thoughts! I may have a “Do’s” list posted later….

What I hope to achieve with this post:

My target audience is of course high school students. Ok I am going to keep it real with you guys on this post! I know everyone is excited with graduation approaching and you may also be feeling pressure or overwhelmed with making a decision about college. Well JJ is here to help! Consider this list of “Dont’s” when choosing a college.

So here we go! My top 5 reasons you should not do when choosing a college:

Dont’s

• DON’T choose a school because all of your friends are going there. Ok let’s be real here. There is a chance that by the time you leave college, you will no longer be friends with your high school clique. College is about growth and during that time, you will discover a lot more about yourself as well as about your “friends”. One’s true colors will rise during college years so make this decision for YOU. Now if you want to go to a particular school and all of your friends happen to be going to the same one, cool! I’m saying don’t base your decision solely on friendships. Trust me!! You won’t be happy if you don’t make this decision for yourself. *I made this mistake and ended up transferring after my sophomore year. Lesson learned. 🙂
• DON’T choose to go to college just because you want to pledge. This is a no-no. Your number one goal for going to college should be EDUCATION! No sorority or fraternity is going to want you if that GPA is tore up. Let’s be real, don’t waste your time or money going to college JUST TO PLEDGE because you may not even get picked! Just saying. Get your grades up and focus on your education first and trust everything else will fall into place.
• DON’T choose a college just because it’s a “party” school. This is the quickest way to find yourself on academic probation your first semester of college. Campus life is an essential part of getting the full college experience. No one wants to go to a boring school, lame parties, blah blah I understand that. I go back to my point that furthering your education is the main reason you are going to college, not turning up all day and not getting your work done. Don’t fall behind getting caught up in a party lifestyle. Now I will say if you choose to do so anyway, get it all done your freshman and sophomore years!! You have a little wiggle room your first two years, after that buckle down because graduation will come before you know it.
• DON’T be afraid of going too far away from home. We all have to leave our comfort zone and grow up at some point in our lives. What I mean with this statement is, don’t settle for a school nearby just because you are afraid of leaving home/family. Now if the school nearby just so happens to be the school of your choice, GREAT! But if not, do not be afraid to explore other options. There is a whole world out there! Amazing places, amazing people, and amazing experiences are waiting! I wish I would have gone to school out-of-state but yeah… However, I do recommend staying within a 2-3 hour range. That way if you are not comfortable with being on your own, 2-3 hours is not too great of a distance to travel.
• DON’T cross a school off your list based on someone else’s experience there. This is a simple concept. Your college experience is what you make of it. Just because one person had a bad experience there does not mean that you will. Do your research and make your own decision. You may pass up an opportunity of a lifetime going off of someone else’s judgments. At this point, you are beginning to learn how to think for yourself!

Ok guys, those are my 5 “Don’ts” when choosing a college. I hope you all find this helpful. Feel free to leave your thoughts or concerns below.

According to JJ, these points should hopefully help in deciding which school is right for you if you have not already found the school of your dream!

THANKS FOR READING!!!!!!!!! ❤