Tina L.

asked • 06/24/25

How do i choose a college?

I am looking into applying for colleges. I want to go for nursing, but i don't know how to choose.

Susan D.

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06/25/25

Evelyn W.

Hi Tina, It’s wonderful to hear that you’re considering nursing, such a meaningful and respected career path. One of my favorite Aunt's was a nurse. However, choosing the right college is a big decision, but you're already on the right track by asking questions. Here are some key things to consider as you narrow down your options: 1. Accreditation Is Non-Negotiable -Since you’re going into nursing, it’s very important to make sure the school and the nursing program are properly accredited. -Look for programs accredited by: ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing) CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education) -Accreditation ensures that the program meets national standards and that you’ll be eligible for licensure and jobs after graduation. 2. Look at Location and Fit - Think about: Where do you want to live? Stay close to home or explore a new city? How big is the campus? Would you feel more comfortable at a smaller or larger school? Support services – such as tutoring, mentorship, and academic advising. 3. Consider the Cost & Financial Aid - Nursing school can be expensive, but don’t let that stop you, you have financial aid options! -Fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as soon as possible on fafsa.gov. -Look for grants, scholarships, and work-study at the schools you're applying to; also check into local churches, community, state, business and charity organizations for grants and scholarships, etc. -Check with the financial aid office for nursing-specific scholarships; some are offered just for students entering the healthcare field. -Explore local and national scholarships through websites like Fastweb.com, Niche.com, or Nursing.org. 4. Visit or Reach Out to the Nursing Programs - Many schools offer virtual tours or info sessions. You can also: -Ask current nursing students about their experience -Find out how their NCLEX pass rates look (that’s the licensing exam after graduation). -Ask about clinical opportunities or internships in hospital. 5. Trust Yourself - Finally, think about which school feels like the best fit for your future and your well-being. You're investing in your goals, so it's okay to take your time, ask questions, and make a thoughtful choice. If you'd like help comparing a few schools or reviewing your application, I'm happy to help you walk through it step by step. Best wishes, I am proud of you for aiming high! Dr. Eve, Counselor, Coach, Educator, Consultant
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06/29/25

2 Answers By Expert Tutors

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Ronnie B. answered • 8d

Tutor
New to Wyzant

Former Admissions Officer | T20 & Top-50 College Counseling Expert
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Hi Tina, great question.

Choosing a college isn’t just about getting, it’s about finding a place where you’ll thrive. For nursing, look at:


  1. How early you get clinical experience
  2. The NCLEX pass rate
  3. Class size and support for students


Think about where you’ll feel most confident learning and growing. I help students create shortlists that fit their goals, strengths, and budget. Happy to help you build yours!


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Maria D. answered • 06/27/25

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Experienced Tutor Specializing in Mathematics and Sciences

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Choosing colleges that will be a good fit for you is highly dependent on your educational preferences. I always recommend setting up a spreadsheet where you can take notes on different schools. Some categories you may want to include are cost, location, program ranking, acceptance rate, and available majors.

For nursing, you may want to consider the curriculum, faculty expertise, career support services, and clinical opportunities.

When making the list of schools you want to apply to, it is also important to have a balanced list with schools of varying acceptance rates. You want to avoid applying to only programs with very low acceptance rates and instead aim to have several safety, target, and reach schools.

Additionally, consider which schools best align with your academics. Most schools provide information about the average GPAs and test scores of their applicants. Taking a look at these statistics can help guide what you consider a safety, reach, or target school.


Remember, there is no one right way to choose a school; it all comes down to what you would like to get out of college.

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