How Important is School Spirit in Choosing the Right College?
How Important is School Spirit in Choosing the Right College?
Congratulations! You’ve been accepted into some wonderful schools. All your hard work has paid off. Now comes the fun (also difficult verging on nerve-racking) process of deciding which college or university to attend. Many factors – sometimes even competing with each other – will come into play as you make your choice.
Which of your potential colleges has the best academic program for you?
How important is location or setting?
Were you offered a scholarship or financial aid?
Where will you “fit in” the best?
The list goes on. One of the biggest factors that students consider in making their final decision is the “fun factor,” otherwise known as school spirit. Visions of stadiums packed with face-painted coeds, highly attended parties and social gatherings, and unique school-wide traditions dance through students’ heads. It’s exciting to imagine being part of these kinds of scenes. But how much should school spirit factor into your college decision? Read on for our advice.
What Does School Spirit Mean to You?
Before we go too far, it’s worth clarifying that not everyone will have the same idea of spirit. You don’t have to be a sports fan to want to attend a lively campus full of other students who really enjoy being there. Take some time to reflect on how you hope to interact with your peers. What kinds of events are important to you? Perhaps the school you’re interested in doesn’t have a football team, but they do have a vibrant music and drama program. Or maybe you’re sure you want to spend your Saturday afternoons amid a sea of screaming fans cheering your team on against your archrival. Does the quantity of those participating matter more than the quality of how they are engaging with each other? Many small schools boast fierce traditions on and off the sports fields even though there are fewer students on campus than you’ll find in a large university. Take time to gauge how large a crowd it will take for you to find your comfort level. And remember, school spirit is more than color-coordinated sweatshirts and cheers. There are many ways students show pride in their institution, and there is an appropriate place for every kind of student regardless of your interests.
Fun vs. Learning
College is supposed to be a time of growth as a student and as a person. And truthfully, you will spend many more hours outside of the classroom than in it over your college career. If you choose a school solely for the academic program, you run the risk of missing out on all the other opportunities to grow that happen right around you. However, if you choose your college purely based on where your friends are going or where you think you’ll have the most fun, you run the risk of stunting your intellectual growth at what should be its most vibrant time.Finding the right balance for yourself is key. Hopefully, you’re deciding between options that all have strong academic programs in areas of interest for you. If that’s the case, then you can think more about how your life outside of the classroom will be enhanced or limited by the fun factor on campus.
Who Do You Want to Associate With?
For some students, the campus environment and all the activities on it are a main draw for attending. Still others are more interested in the city their college resides in or other opportunities not directly associated with campus. A school like NYU, for example, prides itself on being part of New York City. So many of its drawing points reflect this connection beyond the campus border. You may not care about how many fans the basketball team has when you can go to Madison Square Garden or the Barclay’s Center and watch a professional game. However, a place like Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT, will foster a different community vibe. Because they are the largest attraction in town, the school’s various planning committees will work even harder to bring entertaining events to campus and create a sense of togetherness among the students. If you prefer the freedom of social engagement beyond your university’s limits, school spirit may not be that important to you in making your decision.
Lead the Pack or Follow Along?
It’s clear that the appeal of joining the “Cameron Crazies” compels many students to apply to Duke. (We strongly recommend writing about this in your “Why Duke” supplement because of how many students take this approach). But perhaps you want to help start the next great tradition instead of being a number in an already established one. Perhaps you see the potential of leaving your campus a more spirited place than you found it. Which schools on your list will give you the best chance to carve your own path and leave a legacy on campus? Whether it’s through the music department, theater, sports, robotics, dance, or some other avenue, consider the impact you hope to make. Where will you have the best opportunity to make your mark? As you decide which college or university is the right fit for you, carefully reflect on who you hope to become and which path will guide you there best. From there, ask yourself what kind of students or people you hope to be around the next four (or more) years and what conditions will make you the happiest.
The expert admissions consultants at Wise World Prep have helped hundreds of students maximize their potential of being admitted to their top choice colleges and universities. Over 20 years, we have successfully guided students through each stage of the application process – from choosing competitive high school courses to building an appropriate college list to drafting winning essays to writing persuasive update and appeals letters. We would be happy to answer your questions and partner with you to create a successful admissions roadmap.
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