By Angel Percentie (Fourth-year, English Honours student)

When I was applying to undergrad, I searched far and wide for the right university. All my time was spent browsing lists of top-ranked schools, with about 20 open tabs on my computer. That was four years ago, so it’s safe to say I did something right. But if I could sit with myself and do it all over again, I would tell baby Angel to ditch the lists, at least partially, and talk to someone who has already lived the experience. Since quantum mechanics won’t let me travel back in time, here’s my advice for deciding which university is right for you.

Explore your specific program

If you’re applying to university, you likely already have a program in mind. Get to know each university individually. Browse program webpages to see what each program offers. Follow the university’s social media to see what new and exciting projects are happening on campus. Read student testimonials and faculty bios to see how your interests align with the university. The more you explore, the clearer it will be to see which program matches your goals.

Visit an Open House and take a campus tour

Open House is a major opportunity to check out living accommodations, dining spaces, labs, and classrooms. As someone who has worked Open House as a Resident Assistant, they are also a great chance for parents and students to ask questions about residence life. Here’s a recap of one of our fall Open Houses!

Campus tours give you a visual sense of what to expect at university. If you can’t attend in person, check if the university offers virtual tours or events.

Choose the right location

When choosing a university, consider how easily you can adapt to a new place. Research the activities, events, and culture of the town, and think about if you’ll feel comfortable living there. I’m from The Bahamas, but oddly enough I love the snow (as long as I have the proper gloves, boots, socks, jacket, and hat). I was comfortable with my university choice because I researched the weather and atmosphere of Nova Scotia before applying to Acadia.

Consider the financial cost early

Money is the elephant in the room most of us would rather ignore. I tried that route, but my parents are very practical. They sat me down the summer before my final year of high school and we talked about what studying abroad would look like. We answered questions like: What can we afford? Are scholarships available? Can I work while studying? Because of these conversations, it was easier to focus on schools within our price range. If you are unsure about what you can afford, have a chat with parents or supporters, and reach out to Scholarships and Financial Aid to see what assistance the university offers.

Talk to current students, friends, or alumni

Most people read the reviews before they pick up a new book or show. Why not do the same for university? Reach out to friends and family who have attended the schools you’re considering. Listen to their advice so you know what to expect and can weigh the pros and cons. You can also attend student showcases or panels to hear directly from people in your degree of interest.

Acadia organized a student panel as a part of their Fall Open House, and I was able to answer questions from parents and students. Connecting with others in a similar position gives you the insight needed to make an informed decision.

Reflect on your long-term goals

University should bring your dreams closer. When you apply, think about how each school brings you closer to where you want to be. Maybe you want to study business because you look up to an entrepreneur in your life, or perhaps you’re excited about environmental research projects that tackle real-world problems. Be intentional about why you want to study at a certain place. If you don’t have all the answers yet, know that university is a great place to find them.

Lastly, just trust your gut

The challenge and delight of life is that we cannot know everything. You can spend hours researching the perfect university, but you may still find it is not what you expected. Courses might differ from your imagination, or campus life may not feel right. Even so, remember that you are responsible for your own success. Success is something you create, not something given to you. University is one of the best places to practice innovation, so trust yourself to bridge gaps in your experience and make the most of your time, wherever you are.

Just thinking about applying is already a big step toward your future. So, you’re already on your way.