Today’s Why Apply Day – Here’s what to think about when selecting a college
Friday, September 19, 2025 12:00 AM
Choosing which college to attend is an exciting and often overwhelming decision for students and their families.
On “Why Apply Day,” Sept. 19, 2025, high school students are encouraged to start their college application process. Filling out the application is the easy part - the real challenge is deciding which college is the right fit for you.
With nearly 100 colleges and universities across Michigan - each offering unique programs, cultures and opportunities – choosing the right one can be tough. So, where do you begin?
“It’s important that students understand their goals, their budget (both time and money), their support network and the way they like to learn. They should be realistic and honest about this,” said Heidi Schall, director of admissions and outreach at Macomb.
Start with your goals
Before diving into brochures and campus tours, take a moment to reflect on what you want from your college experience. Ask yourself:
On “Why Apply Day,” Sept. 19, 2025, high school students are encouraged to start their college application process. Filling out the application is the easy part - the real challenge is deciding which college is the right fit for you.
With nearly 100 colleges and universities across Michigan - each offering unique programs, cultures and opportunities – choosing the right one can be tough. So, where do you begin?
“It’s important that students understand their goals, their budget (both time and money), their support network and the way they like to learn. They should be realistic and honest about this,” said Heidi Schall, director of admissions and outreach at Macomb.
Start with your goals
Before diving into brochures and campus tours, take a moment to reflect on what you want from your college experience. Ask yourself:
- What do I want to study?
- What kind of learning environment helps me thrive?
- What are my career goals?
- What is my budget – both financially and in terms of time?
Balance needs with preferences
It’s easy to fall in love with a beautiful campus or an exciting student life, but don’t forget to consider logistics. Do you need to work while attending school? Do you have reliable transportation? Will you be living on campus or commuting?
“A thorough understanding of these foundational pieces is a great place to start,” Schall said.
Visit campus and see for yourself
Once you’ve narrowed down a few choices, it’s important to visit the school campus, preferably by attending a guided tour.
While fun, a campus visit is more than just sightseeing. It’s your chance to gather information and get a sense of what the campus is like for students.
During a visit you’ll get the chance to:
It’s easy to fall in love with a beautiful campus or an exciting student life, but don’t forget to consider logistics. Do you need to work while attending school? Do you have reliable transportation? Will you be living on campus or commuting?
“A thorough understanding of these foundational pieces is a great place to start,” Schall said.
Visit campus and see for yourself
Once you’ve narrowed down a few choices, it’s important to visit the school campus, preferably by attending a guided tour.
While fun, a campus visit is more than just sightseeing. It’s your chance to gather information and get a sense of what the campus is like for students.
During a visit you’ll get the chance to:
- Get a firsthand look at classrooms, labs, and technology, providing a sense of your future learning environment.
- Interact with faculty, staff, and current students to get a glimpse of the college culture and support systems.
- Determine if the campus size and housing options suit your preferences.
Ask important questions
These questions will help you understand not just what the school offers, but how it aligns with your goals and learning style. Schall recommends asking:
- What programs or certifications does this school offer?
- What is the teaching style here?
- How can students get involved outside of the classroom?
- Are there opportunities for study abroad or internships?
- Where do graduates work?
- What type of financial assistance is available?
Move forward with confidence
The most important thing? Don’t let fear or uncertainty stop you from exploring your options. “Don’t stop yourself before you get started,” Schall said. “Always ask for help if you need it.”
If you’re interested in Macomb, our admissions department is ready to answer your questions about programs, campus life, financial aid and other topics. Ongoing tours of all our campuses are also available.