For many students, applying to college is one of the most exciting and intimidating experiences of their academic lives. While the process varies from person to person, one common challenge stands out: deciding where to apply. With so many options available, each with its own strengths and culture, the decision can feel overwhelming.
“It wasn’t as hard as it is now,” Federal Hocking High School Internship Coordinator Renee Ripple shared, reflecting on her own experience.
“I applied to Miami Ohio, Auburn, and Ohio University. But when I was accepted into the Scripps School, in OU, they had small classes and that’s what sealed the deal.”
The decision of where to apply often comes down to what a student is looking for in a college. For Ripple, she was looking for quality teaching.
“I wanted classes where I could actually have time with my professors and get quality assistance. I didn’t want it to be big like Ohio State,” Ripple explained. Personal time with the professor and meaningful academic support meant more to Ripple than size.
When another person, Dylan Scott who might be attending Ohio University was asked if Ohio University met his expectations, His response was confident.
“Ohio University does have the opportunities that I am looking for.”
It’s a testament to the importance of finding a school that aligns with both personal values and professional goals.
Campus visits also played a big role in the decision-making process for Ripple. “Yes, I visited all of the colleges I applied to and they all made me feel hospitable. I could have gone to any of the colleges because I knew I was meant to go to college.”
Ripple said feeling welcome and at home on campus is an emotional part of the process that can influence decisions just as much as academics.
Though Ripple has already graduated college, the anticipation was still met with optimism and readiness.
“I was just ready for the next step,” Ripple shared — something that a lot of high school students can relate to as they look towards what they want to do after high school.
So, what ultimately led Ripple to favor Ohio University? “It was the journalism class that OU had,” Ripple said. “But I could have easily gone to Miami Ohio because I really liked the Western Sciences program — it was like a whole other college within the college.”
While other schools had their own benefits, it was the specific academic opportunities offered at each school truly helped narrow down the choice.
In the end, applying to college is more than just submitting forms and writing essays — it’s about self-reflection, vision, and finding the right place to grow. As Ripple’s journey shows, it’s not just about where you get in, but where you feel you belong.
