College Advice from Real Students
3 current students reflect on what really matters when choosing a college.
Not one of us had a straightforward path to college.
One of us moved here from Colombia. One of us almost chose cosmetology. One of us thought she’d go to school hours away.
But we all wrestled with the same big question: how do you choose the right college?
If you’re in the middle of making your own decision, here’s what we’d want you to know.
These student stories were shared in an interview. Quotes have been edited for clarity.
You have to ask. And keep asking.
At first, I wasn’t going to come to Roberts.
But then, right before the deadline, a scholarship opened up. My admissions counselor remembered our conversation and said to her team, “I have a student who really cares about financial aid. I think she’d come here if she had a better scholarship.”
She was right. That’s the reason I’m here.
In high school, systems are built to push you through. But in college? You have to be the one asking questions, seeking out support, and naming what you need.
One of my professors helped me look into grad schools, showed me how to build a CV, and even helped with an application applications. She didn’t have to. She did it because I asked.
If you’re not sure what you want from a college, start asking better questions, and notice who actually takes the time to answer.
Don’t be afraid to change direction.
I’ve always been analytical, so I started in Accounting.
But then I got an opportunity to work on marketing for Athletics. I realized I love the creative side too.
So now I’m double majoring in Accounting and Marketing. One lets me dive into numbers. The other lets me connect with people.
Since I was little, I’ve wanted to be a soccer player. That was the dream. But my family kept reminding me, soccer isn’t forever. You need a plan B.
I chose Roberts because of three things: the chance to play soccer, a diverse and welcoming community, and strong academics with hands-on experience.
At first, it was hard. The weather, the culture, the food—everything was different. But the people around me made me feel like I was back home. I still remember the day my coach picked me up from the airport.
Coming here has been one of the best decisions I’ve made.
Know what matters most to you.
When I started looking at schools, I focused on three things:
First, the people. I wanted a place where I’d feel like I belonged.
Second, distance. At first, I thought I wanted to go far away. But when I talked to my mom, she said, I think you’d be happier closer to home. And she was right.
Third, affordability. I had a little scholarship but not a ton. I needed a school that would work with me on financials and meet me where I was.
Once I locked in on those three—people, place, and price—it got clearer.
That said, the pressure is real. There’s so much noise telling you to pick the “right” school or follow the “right” timeline. But your life is not a checklist. Everyone’s path is different. It might be four years, two years, even a gap year.
I’m proud of the community I’ve built here. I’ve been in the Honors Program. I’m in SALT. I work for the nursing club, the School of Nursing, and the library.
But I had to work for that community. If you care about connection, and you’re willing to put in the effort, you’ll find it.
Final Thoughts
Colette: If you're seriously considering a college and you don't know your admissions counselor by name, that’s a red flag. They’re not reaching out to you enough.
Juan: Try to find a place where you can grow. Somewhere you’re not just a number. Somewhere that sees value in you as a person.
Emily: Take chances. Your early twenties are for figuring things out.
The right college won’t just offer you a degree. It will give you a community, opportunities to grow, and people who care enough to walk alongside you.
That’s what we found. And we hope you do too. Thank you for reading.
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About the author
Roberts Students
This article was written by a current student at Roberts Wesleyan University. Through this blog, students share what they’re learning, doing, and experiencing. That includes life on campus, work in the community, and impact around the world.