Navigating Your College Decision

A Comprehensive Guide for High School Seniors 

Along with choosing a college that’s right for you, we want you to feel supported every step of the way. Feel free to contact our Admissions Office at  admissions@belmont.edu as you navigate the process of choosing a college.  

It’s time to embark on the adventure of a lifetime — navigating your college decision. With thousands of colleges in the United States to choose from, unlimited resources are available to help prepare for the journey.  

This comprehensive guide highlights important considerations for high school seniors that will equip and excite you for the next chapter of your life. 

Know your options 

In fall 2020, over 18 million students enrolled in a college or university in the U.S. With nearly 6,000 colleges and universities nationwide, knowing the different options available for your education will enable you to make the best decision for your life.  

Four-year college or university 

A four-year college, also known as a university, is a higher education institution where students typically pursue bachelor's degrees in various fields of study. These institutions offer a wide range of academic programs and courses that usually take about four years to complete. 

Things to expect from a four-year college: 

• Bachelor's Degrees: Most students attend four-year colleges to earn a bachelor's degree, which is typically required for many professional careers. These degrees come in various fields such as business, science, engineering, humanities, social sciences and more. 

• Academic Rigor: Four-year colleges offer a comprehensive and rigorous academic experience. You'll take a variety of classes in your chosen major as well as general education requirements in subjects like English, math, science, and history. 
  
  • Pro tip: English, math, science and history courses are considered general education or core curriculum courses. They are foundational courses typically required for all undergraduate students regardless of their major. If you’ve passed dual-credit classes while in high school or achieved a certain score on the AP test, you may be able to skip general education courses and enroll in courses that directly pertain to your major, which could save you time and money.  

• Extracurricular Activities: Four-year colleges often have a wide range of extracurricular activities, including clubs, sports teams, volunteer opportunities and student organizations. These activities can help you develop leadership skills, meet new people and explore your interests outside of the classroom. 

• Campus Life: A vibrant campus community is a popular attraction for four-year colleges. Living on campus can provide a full college experience and help you make lifelong connections with peers. 

• Graduate Programs: Some four-year colleges also offer graduate programs for students who want to pursue advanced degrees such as master's or doctoral degrees after completing their bachelor's degree. 

Attending a four-year college provides a comprehensive and enriching educational experience that prepares you for a wide range of career opportunities and personal growth. It's a significant investment in your future, both academically and professionally. 

Education is a key that can open the door to the future that you want. There are several great options to choose from when it comes to what type of education you can pursue after high school. Knowing your options, evaluating your interests and understanding your personal circumstances will help guide you toward choosing the best fit for your life. 

Must-Have Campus Resources 

First-year experience program

Since starting college is nerve-wracking for many first-time freshmen, many four-year institutions incorporate first-year experience programs into the college experience. Think of a first-year experience program as a special support system just for freshmen to help you adjust to your new lifestyle and make your first year awesome. 

First-year experience programs aim to create a supportive and inclusive environment that empowers students to thrive academically and personally during their transition to college life.  

The specifics about the program will vary depending on the school, but you’ll find that they share a common goal: helping you feel at home at college. 

Be sure to ask your desired school about its first-year experience program to see if it is a good fit.  

Extracurricular Activities 

Participation in extracurricular activities can enrich a student's experience and help develop skills outside of the classroom. Extracurricular options help students with personal growth, exploration and socialization. 

Some extracurricular activities to consider: 

Affinity groups 

• An affinity group is a gathering or association of people who share a common interest, identity, background or purpose. These groups are typically formed to provide a supportive and inclusive community for individuals with shared experiences or characteristics. 

• Identity-based Affinity Groups: These groups bring together individuals who share a particular aspect of their identity, such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion or disability. Examples include LGBTQ+ groups, Black student unions, women's groups, and veterans' associations. 

• Professional Affinity Groups: These groups are formed by individuals within the same profession or industry who come together to network, share resources and support each other in their careers. Examples include associations for lawyers, engineers, educators, healthcare professionals and entrepreneurs. 

• Interest-based Affinity Groups: These groups unite individuals who share a common interest, hobby, passion or activity. Examples include book clubs, hiking groups, gaming communities or sports teams. 

• Support Affinity Groups: These groups provide a space for individuals facing similar challenges or life experiences to come together for mutual support, encouragement and understanding. Examples include support groups for survivors of trauma or individuals dealing with mental health issues. 

Greek Life

• Greek life refers to the system of fraternities and sororities that exist primarily in colleges and universities in the United States. These organizations are typically social in nature and are characterized by their Greek letter names, which often represent their values, history or motto. Greek life plays a significant role in the social and cultural landscape of many campuses. 

Intramurals 

• Intramurals are organized sports competitions or activities. Unlike varsity sports, which involve intercollegiate or interscholastic competition between different institutions, intramural sports are played exclusively among members of the same institution. 

Wellness programs  

Approximately 39% of college students report experiencing significant levels of anxiety, according to the American College Health Association's National College Health Assessment. This highlights the prevalence of mental health challenges among college students and underscores the importance of prioritizing mental wellness. 

Fitness center options 

• Many universities have fitness facilities that are included in the cost of tuition for the student body. Even if you aren’t on a sports team or didn’t exercise a lot in high school, you may begin to incorporate physical activity into your college life. Having a place that comes free of charge to you is a great benefit. 

Counseling services  

• Many universities offer a specified number of free counseling services to currently enrolled students. College life will have many new stressors, and it is important to know that the school you choose makes your mental health a priority by offering mental health resources like counseling should you need it.  

Spiritual development 

• If your faith is important to you, it is good to know what faith communities are accessible to you at the school you attend. Even if you don’t consider yourself a spiritual person, knowing what resources are available as you progress in your journey after high school should you seek spiritual guidance in the future is good. 

Career Services

Colleges typically offer a variety of career resources and services to support students in their career exploration, job search and professional development. 

A college career center is a dedicated office or department that provides a wide range of career-related resources, services and support to students and alumni. These centers play a crucial role in helping individuals navigate their career paths. Here are some common career resources available to students at different colleges: 

• Career Counseling: Many colleges have career centers staffed with professional career counselors who provide one-on-one guidance and support to students. Career counselors can help students explore their interests, skills, and values, clarify career goals and develop personalized career plans. 

• Resume and Cover Letter Assistance: Career centers often offer assistance with resume and cover letter writing, including tips for formatting, content and tailoring documents to specific job opportunities. Some may also offer resume review services or workshops. 

• Job and Internship Listings: Colleges often maintain job boards or online portals where students can search for internship and job opportunities. These listings may include opportunities posted by employers specifically targeting students from that college or university.  

• Career Fairs: Career fairs bring together employers from various industries to meet with students and discuss internship, job and career opportunities. Colleges often host career fairs on campus or participate in larger regional or virtual career fairs. 

• Networking Opportunities: Colleges may facilitate networking opportunities for students to connect with alumni, employers and industry professionals. This could include networking events, alumni panels, mentorship programs or online networking platforms. 

Campus Visits

Visiting a college campus allows you to experience the atmosphere in person. By visiting, you can get a sense of whether you feel comfortable and connected to the campus community. You'll have the opportunity to walk around, interact with students, observe campus life and envision yourself as part of the community. 

Touring the campus gives you the chance to see the facilities, resources, and amenities available to students. Seeing these facilities in person can help you assess whether the campus has the resources you need to succeed academically and enjoy a fulfilling college experience. 

Many colleges offer guided campus tours led by admissions staff or student ambassadors. During these tours, you can learn valuable information about the admissions process, academic programs, financial aid options and support services available to students. 

You may also have the chance to visit a campus for an event organized by the college’s admission office where large groups of prospective students come to see the campus all at once. Along with getting a feel for the campus, these events are great opportunities to start making connections and building friendships with your potential peers. 

Graduation Preparation Checklist  

We’ve pulled together a helpful checklist to ensure a smooth transition from high school to the next phase of your life. 

1. Finish strong academically. 
   • Double-check with your counselor to make sure you've met all your graduation requirements.
     • Register to attend graduation.
     • Send your final transcript to your future college. 
2. Turn in your college applications by the deadline.
   • Know the deadline for the schools you want to apply to and be sure to submit your applications with all required documents by the deadline.
   • If you need letters of recommendation, ask for them well in advance of the deadline, and don’t forget to send thank you notes!  
3. Apply for financial aid and scholarships. 
   • Know when the FASFA deadline and apply.
   • Hunt for scholarships like a treasure hunt. Every dollar counts! 
4. Soak up the senior year moments. 
   • Allow yourself to enjoy the excitement of senior year, from getting a class ring to prom to graduation day. 
5. Celebrate your journey.
   • Celebrate your graduation with laughter, joy, and maybe a few happy tears.