College Is Not the Destination, But a Pathway to Your Future
College is not the destination
College is not the destination. It’s easy to forget that, with everyone from your relatives, to your friends, teachers, movies, social media, you name it, EVERYONE seeming focused on where you will go and how it will guarantee your outcomes for the rest of your life. No pressure, right?
Take a deep breath and repeat after me: COLLEGE IS NOT THE DESTINATION; it’s a PATHWAY to your future. As the journalist Frank Bruni put it: where you go is not who you'll be. (He even wrote a book titled that; check it out!) His research shows that what you do while in college is much more important than the name on the college gates.
College is a pathway to your future
Colleges and universities are not one-size-fits-all. Some are really strong in certain academic programs (say, aeronautical engineering, theoretical mathematics vs. applied mathematics, or studio art), and some are well-known for their student supports (like a robust advising system consisting of academic advising, career advising, and opportunity advising: we see you, Hamilton College!). You want to pick a handful of schools that fit your interests, preferences, and needs.
Think of it this way: you wouldn’t choose a pair of 3-inch high heels to go on a four-day hiking trip just because they cost more than any other pair of shoes you own. You’d pick the waterproof hiking boots with ankle support, which are better suited to the environment, your goals, and your needs. The hiking boots will get you to where you want to go.
Start your journey on the right foot
You will spend about four years studying and living at your college, so take the time to ensure that the school you choose has the features and terrain you’re ready for and interested in experiencing and exploring.
The first leg of the college admissions journey begins with exploring yourself. Knowing your own strengths, interests, skills, values, aptitudes, and preferences makes it easier to identify schools that are a good FIT and MATCH.
