Mapping It Out: The Geography of Your College Choice

We all know that you shouldn’t apply to a college just because it’s near the beach and you’re a surfer or because it’s in the mountains and you’re a skier. However, geography should be a factor in your decision about where you will end up spending the next four years of your life. The United States is big; there are many different regions, each with its own unique flair and culture. Choosing the right area for you is, in some ways, as important as being sure a school’s academics are in line with your abilities. So let’s break it down and take a look at their different regions and how their geography may impact your college experience.

Northeast: We’ve all seen the images of autumn leaves scattered across cobblestone paths at a cozy New England college. Indeed, these picturesque schools are out there, however keep in mind that the Northeast also includes bustling New York City, Boston, and Philadelphia, the rolling hills of Pennsylvania, the tranquil Hudson Valley, the snowscapes of Syracuse and Ithaca, and the beaches of New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Delaware. Variety is the word for this region. There are also seemingly endless options. In fact, you will find nearly 600 colleges and universities in New York and Pennsylvania, just two of the seven states that constitute the Northeast region. If you are not from this area, you could feel slightly overwhelmed by its bustling nature, or this could also be exactly what you’re looking for. Either way, the choices are innumerable and the variety unique.

Notable Schools: Williams College, University of Pennsylvania, Dartmouth College, Cornell University, Amherst College

Southeast: The Southeast provides a wealth of cultural opportunities; for instance, New Orleans, home to Tulane University, The University of New Orleans, Loyola University and Xavier University, is steeped in history, from its architecture to its food, music and beyond. You will also find places like Athens, Georgia, which houses the University of Georgia; you need only Google it to get a peek at its southern charm and beauty. As in the in Northeast, you will find a lot of variety in this area. A six-hour drive can take you from the incredible history of Savannah to the University of Miami, just a few minutes from the beach. There is a tendency to consider the east coast nothing more than a jumble of super-busy cities along Interstate 95, but the reality is that from Maine down to Florida, there are a ton of colleges and a mix of histories and cultures, providing a great canvas of our country.

Notable Schools: Duke University, Vanderbilt University, Elon University, Clemson University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Southwest: There is much more to this region than just desert. Consider the University of Texas at Austin. This city has been known as a cultural center, offering a taste of pretty much everything, from the typical Texas stuff like rodeos and country-themed restaurants to art museums, the famed Austin City Limits Music Festival, and more. Austin is also known as the “greenest city” in America, and boasts the highest percentage of adults who read and contribute to blogs, making it a true intellectual hub. If, however, the desert is more your speed, consider a place like the University of Arizona in Tucson or Arizona State in Tempe. From adobe houses to cacti, you’ll get your southwestern fix here, in addition to all the art and cultural offerings of any other million-plus resident metropolitan area.

Notable Schools: Rice University, Texas A & M University, The University of Texas at Austin, University of Tulsa, Southwestern University

Heartland: The Midwest is a veritable cornucopia of well-respected universities. From city-big to rural-small, this region provides much uniqueness. The University of Chicago’s gothic architecture and stellar academic reputation make it a desired school right in the middle of the country, steps from the shores of Lake Michigan, thirteen miles from storied Wrigley Field, and surrounded by Hyde Park and the multitude of cultural offerings in the Windy City. But if you’re more inclined toward rurality, there are many schools for you in the Midwest. Consider Indiana University Bloomington, in a small city called the “Gateway to Scenic Southern Indiana.” Much smaller than the environs of Chicago, this area is home to a ton of historical sites and some flat-out beautiful country. One hour from Indianapolis and four from Chicago, Bloomington offers the opportunity to be in a more rural environment and still be close enough to city life to feel connected.

Notable Schools: Northwestern University, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Purdue University, University of Michigan, University of Wisconsin (Madison)

West Coast: The West Coast certainly offers a gold rush of educational opportunities, not to mention a unique chance to live among some of the great natural wonders of the country. The sweeping panorama provides for some amazing scenery and great schools. Just an hour from Rocky Mountain National Park, The University of Colorado Boulder provides a solid, innovative education with a backdrop of unparalleled natural beauty. A two-hour flight from Boulder can get you to busy Los Angeles, home to UCLA and USC, for a completely different, urban vibe. Much like the Northeast and Southeast, the West Coast, on a much larger scale, offers a vibrant variety of locales and college experiences. Another two-hour flight from L.A. can get you to Oregon State University in Eugene, which sits in the shadow of Spencer Butte, again proving that you can find pretty much any environment you’re looking for in this vast, storied region.

Notable Schools: University of California (Berkeley), Loyola Marymount University, Stanford University, Gonzaga University, Pepperdine University

Abroad: Thinking outside the box in terms of where to attend college might mean thinking outside the country. There are a lot of opportunities for students to travel beyond our borders and pursue a higher education in a completely different country and culture. By the way, this is not limited to Europe; many American students are studying in Australia, New Zealand, China, Latin America, and Africa. For a truly worldly experience, don’t keep yourself contained to the states.

Best Study Abroad Programs: http://www.bestcollegereviews.org/best-study-abroad-programs

Your college search should include much more than just test scores and grades. Considering where you will be spending the next four years and being sure that you are comfortable there are vital components to your college experience.

Written by Phil Lane

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