Well, its well into May now, the weather is beautiful and the flowers have come out once again. If this doesn’t boost your morale, will anything? But there is a certain amount of anxiety accompanying this month. It is in this month that we will hear from the universities and colleges with acceptances, scholarships and other such things. Then, by June 7 or June 13, we have to respond to the universities and make a decision as to which one is best.
It may not seem that difficult, but it is. It is a completely nerve-wracking experience to know that the rest of your life will be shaped by one decision. We all hate to make the final decision and do anything to avoid it. We ask our parents what they would do in our shoes, we ask our friends where they are going, we ask everyone we know what they think. And yet the final decision lies on our own two shoulders, and until it is made it will be a loathesome burden to carry around.
The decision becomes particularly sticky if you are offered acceptance to two different programs, both of which you are interested in. You just have to think long and hard about your future life and your priorities. If you are offered large scholarships from more than one university, the decision becomes rather painful. What if one offers you a few thousand dollars less, but you like both? Consider other financial details, like which will require more residence and tuition fees and which takes less money to travel to and from.
Here are some general questions to consider in your final decision: Does it have the program you want? Does it offer you financial incentives? Does it seem inviting and accommodating? Does it have a good residence and meal plan? Is it far enough (or close enough) from home? What kind of reputation does it have? Does it allow you to easily switch degree programs in second year if you want to change? What is the city like? Do you want to spend 3-5 years of your life there? Does your university have any programs or courses to help you prepare for graduate school? What is your gut feeling?
Remember, after you make your final decision, you will turn off a busy intersection onto a straighter path and move on with your life. At the university you choose, you may very well find your future husband or wife and your future career. You will look back someday and wonder if you have made the right decision. The sad part is you will never know.
