Figuring out your college list can feel overwhelming. When I first started, I honestly didn’t know where to even begin. Some of my friends already had their dream schools picked out, and I felt behind. What helped me was slowing down, thinking about what mattered most to me, and organizing everything in a way I could actually see.
I used a spreadsheet to keep track of my options, which sounds nerdy but seriously helped. I listed each school, their programs, community vibe, location, and financial aid info. This made everything feel manageable and helped me start narrowing down the list.
Here are the five things that mattered most to me when I was making my decision:
1. Academic Programs
First, I made sure the schools I considered offered the programs I was interested in. I knew I wanted to study data science, but I also wanted the flexibility to explore other subjects. The University of Rochester really stood out because of its open curriculum — I could focus on data science but still try other areas if I changed my mind. This was a huge relief because I didn’t feel like I was locking myself in too early.
2. Financial Aid
Money is a big deal, and it can make or break your college experience. I focused on schools that offered strong financial aid because I wanted to make sure college wouldn’t be a huge stress for my family or me. Rochester offered me the best financial aid compared to other schools I applied to, and that made it feel like the right choice from a practical perspective too. If you’re curious about the kinds of support available, you can learn more through the University of Rochester’s Financial Aid Office.
3. Location
Since I spent my high school years in Singapore, I was used to being in a busy city. I knew I wanted to go somewhere that wasn’t too far from a city environment. I crossed off schools that were too remote or didn’t have the kind of community and city life I wanted. Think about whether you want to be near a city, close to nature, or somewhere in between. Travel costs and convenience are important too — it’s easy to forget how often you might want to go home or explore the area.
4. Community and Size
The size of the student body and the overall vibe of the campus mattered a lot. I wanted a school that felt welcoming but not overwhelming — where I could get to know people, connect with professors, and still meet new faces every day. Some friends prefer huge campuses with tons of students, but for me, smaller class sizes and a supportive community felt right.
5. Campus Life
Lastly, I thought about campus life and extracurriculars. I wanted to make sure there were clubs, organizations, or activities I could see myself joining. This helped me picture what my daily life might look like outside of classes. For me, knowing that Rochester had options I was excited about — like student groups and events — made it easier to imagine myself thriving there socially.
Narrowing down your college list isn’t just about checking boxes — it’s about figuring out where you’ll feel comfortable, challenged, and excited to learn for the next four years. Take your time, ask questions, reach out to students, and trust yourself. Finding the right fit is totally possible if you know what matters most to you.