I got a good question from a Collegewise parent at a seminar last weekend that I thought I’d answer here:
Q: “What would you tell a student who seems to be picking colleges based on factors like where his friends and girlfriend are applying?”
A: It’s important to remember that at this stage (spring of the junior year), students are just deciding where to apply. Most students won’t decide where they’re actually going to attend college for at least another year. And just because his friends and girlfriend are interested in those schools doesn’t mean they might not be good fits for him, too. No need to wage a battle on the college selection front yet.
But students should know that when college applications and interviewers ask you why you’re applying, you’re going to need to have a better answer than, “My friends and girlfriend are applying here, too.” That’s not good evidence of a thoughtful college search. And remember, it would be nice for you to be able to start college with some familiar faces. But there’s no telling what’s going to happen to your friendships and your romantic relationship once you actually get to college. You don’t have to discount those influences completely. But you really shouldn’t pick a school if those people are the only reasons for the choice.