What's Important to You

As with any important decision, one of the first things one must do is figure out what is important to them. Having a set of values allows you to make your decision with those things most important in mind. We often do this implicitly without thinking about it, but I feel it is helpful to make the thoughts explicit.

To make your values explicit, start by writing them down in list form. Think specifically about the college decision. What types of factors will help you narrow down a list of schools? For some students factors might include proximity to family, reputation of the school or major department, opportunities to do research or internships, affordability, opportunities for social experiences (not just partying) housing availability, and others.

Once you have a list, start to number the values you have listed from one to however many you have on your list. This will take time and in fact, you will probably find yourself changing the numbers as you think about it more. Therefore, I suggest you use a pencil. You don't have to get the numbers right in one sitting. You should revisit your list in a few days or weeks to see if anything has changed or if you want to add another value. Continuously tinkering with this values list will help you to be more focused in your college search.

One of the most important factors in making a good decision about which college to attend is how well one knows oneself. This might sound overly philosophical, but it is not only a key to a successful college search and decision process, it is a key to a fulfilling life.

"Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom.
Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power." -- Tao Te Ching