Choosing the right school for you
With there being so many universities across the United States to choose from, we have taken the liberty to put together a list of things to consider when making your decision. Ultimately, the decision of choosing a school comes down to the individual student-athlete and what feels right. The following information will be helpful in pointing you in the right direction, and we aim to assist you in making the decision that is best for you and your goals.
Athletics
As you are a student-athlete, it is crucial that the school you select fits with your athletic intentions. You want to find a program that will challenge you, allow you to improve, and continue to enjoy your sport. The division of the team, what conference they compete in, and the recent years records can be good indicators of the level. However, it is worth noting that records change every year and with the addition of new players, new coaching staff or increases in funding, a program may improve dramatically from the season before.
Cost
There is a huge variation in the costs of attending school in the USA. Tuition rates vary, as do the costs of living in each different location. Colleges will offer different amounts of scholarship that our athletes are eligible for, that KODA seeks to maximize. In addition to this, public schools tend to be more affordable than private schools because they are funded by the state and/or federal government.
Location
Being such a large country, with so many different places to choose from, location plays an important role in your college decision. The cultural and geographic diversity means that you are sure to have a unique and wonderful experience regardless of where you go.
You could live in a large city, or you may prefer a college town where your school is the center of it all. Each offers its own advantages and disadvantages. Having spent time in many of the different geographic locations around the country, the KODA team are well-placed to help in this decision.
Climate
The climate that the school is in changes from state to state, with the temperature and weather differing between locations. As this is somewhere that you will be spending most of your time throughout the year, it is important to make sure that you are comfortable with the climate. You will acclimatize to the weather, however, your preference is an important factor in the decision you make.
Academics
With thousands of universities across the United States, academics play an important role in selecting what school is best for you. It is important to consider if it will challenge you academically, hold a reputable degree, and most of all, offer the degree that you wish to study.
Campus Life
Every campus across the country offers different experiences and so it is important that you choose the one that best fits you. Things that can influence the campus environment include; the rigor of its academic program, if athletics is a key part to student life, the population of a college, whether it is located in a city, or if it has a separate campus. Your choice can be tailored to how you’d like your experience to be, however, it is important to remember that you make the experience worthwhile and enjoyable or not.
