It’s probably not the first time you’ve heard this, but choosing a college is a huge decision. It’s where you’ll spend the next several years; the courses you take will pave the way toward your career; and the people around you will become classmates, colleagues, and friends. As you leave high school and prepare for the future, you’ll want to surround yourself with like-minded individuals. So, how do you find your tribe? How do you know which college will set you up for success?

What are your career goals?

Think about your career goals and research to see if the schools you’re interested in offer robust career services or a career development department, and if that department provides job fairs and on-campus interview opportunities. For example, at Full Sail University, our career development department builds a strong network of grads and employers to assist future grads in their career goals. “Tapping into this network and pointing our graduates in the direction that best fits their career path is the primary objective of Career Development,” shares Assistant Director of Campus Admissions Brandon Gibbs.

Is there a college focused on your field of study?

Find out if a school ranks well in your preferred field of study, and then visit the college to get a glimpse of what’s happening inside the classrooms, labs, or studios. Identify what type of learner you are to see if the degree program you’re interested in lends itself more to a hands-on approach or something more self-directed.

Where you go to school can have a big impact on your future work habits. “Our degree programs are very hands-on, and required time commitment in many ways mimics that of the full-time demands of the jobs within the industry, which in turn best prepares students for the reality of their future role,” adds Brandon.

What is the culture you’re looking for?

Know that there are other factors that matter beyond the classroom: You may want a school with a large student body or one rich with social activities. Or you may want to go somewhere smaller, with a more close-knit campus life. You may not like cold weather and want to be somewhere where the winters aren’t rough. You may want to stay close to home – or go far away. Making a simple pros and cons list can help weigh some or all these factors.

At Full Sail, we’ll help you answer these questions to ensure you’re taking the right step toward your dreams. “Our first goal is to get to know the student, their story, and what their plan for the future is. From there, if one of our degree programs is a good fit, we will discuss the details of this fit to ensure the student feels confident.”

Everybody has different priorities and goals – thinking about the above factors can help when making a decision, but don’t be afraid to seek out the advice of admissions and career counselors too. They can help answer any other questions you may have.