I always have a million lists, usually on a sticky note or a scrap piece of paper. To Do. Pros and Cons. Shopping. Wish. DIY House Projects.
Prospective college students must be diligent with their list making, as well; the most important of which is the "wants versus needs" list.
In the technological society in which we live, there are many college search engines available to students, allowing them to enter in everything they ever dreamed of having as part of their college experience (a particular major, Greek affiliation, varsity sports, big city or more rural, beach or mountains, the "list" goes on). But it is also that much easier for a student to become consumed by the options available. Conversely, it is quite possible for a student to enter in all of their heart's desires and have a list of zero schools match their criteria.
In both of these scenarios, the student must compile a list of wants versus needs with regard to their future collegiate career. This involves both the academic setting, as well as location and extra-curricular activities. When researching prospective campus communities, the need list must remain stagnant; no omissions. It is the want list that must be flexible and willing to make a sacrifice here or there.
From my own college search, I really wanted to be a fan in the stands at a DI football stadium and I really wanted to have years of pride and big traditions, all of which was provided by one of the big public universities in my home state. This school also offered large lecture classes, required tickets for tutoring sessions, and a two town spread of campus buildings.
That was perfect for many of my friends, but I learned quickly that my needs outweighed my wants.
I needed a more close knit campus community. I needed a discussion based classroom setting where the professor knew my name and whether or not I was actively participating in class...or even there. I needed to be able to easily set appointments with my professors to further discuss the material. I needed to recognize my classmates by face and by name when I saw them in the quad or the cafeteria. I needed opportunities to grow as a person outside of the classroom through student groups and leadership courses.
I sacrificed big time sports, but I visited my friends at their schools and went to televised games with them. I gave up participating in deep seeded and historical traditions like Bonfire and ring dunking at the Chicken, but we did enjoy a few quirky ones such as "First Snow" and every graduate crowding into the tiny Hilltop before getting kicked out just in time to "go get graduated!"
I would not change my undergraduate experience for anything, but it would have been quite a different life path had I not understood the aspects of my education that I simply wanted instead of those critical components that were necessary in making me who I am today.