An unusual thing happened in Fort Worth, Texas today. It snowed. Real snow. Not sheets of ice or freezing rain. Real snow. Schools closed, businesses closed, government offices closed. Games were canceled, events were canceled. Even the 37th running of the Cowtown Marathon (at least the Saturday events) were canceled. This is a BIG DEAL for us. And this weather event made me think about how weather plays into a college decision.
I grew up in St. Louis. When college recruiters visited my high school we listened politely as they told us about the great academic programs offered, honors colleges, internship opportunities, renowned professors, social activities and new friends we would find on each campus. Each one offered something new and something exciting. Each one presented amazing opportunities - some we craved and some, quite frankly, we couldn't begin to comprehend. But when a recruiter (named Chip) showed up from a school in Texas and told us that we could lay out in the sun in January, well, my search was over.
It sounds trivial and it some ways, I admit, it is. On the other hand, climate is a factor when you are thinking about where to spend the next 4 (or more) years of your life. Do you enjoy the cold weather? Do you need sunshine, at least some of the time? How do you cope with endless 100-degree days? Would you like to be near an ocean, or mountains? In a big city, small town? Does it matter?
There are so many great schools and great campuses all throughout the country. I'm not suggesting that you should limit your search solely because of climate but I am suggesting that you take a moment to consider what is appealing to you. Look past the glossy viewbooks and flashy websites and think about what day to day college life will be like for you. A snow day in Texas? Pretty rare. Pretty wonderful.
I grew up in St. Louis. When college recruiters visited my high school we listened politely as they told us about the great academic programs offered, honors colleges, internship opportunities, renowned professors, social activities and new friends we would find on each campus. Each one offered something new and something exciting. Each one presented amazing opportunities - some we craved and some, quite frankly, we couldn't begin to comprehend. But when a recruiter (named Chip) showed up from a school in Texas and told us that we could lay out in the sun in January, well, my search was over.
It sounds trivial and it some ways, I admit, it is. On the other hand, climate is a factor when you are thinking about where to spend the next 4 (or more) years of your life. Do you enjoy the cold weather? Do you need sunshine, at least some of the time? How do you cope with endless 100-degree days? Would you like to be near an ocean, or mountains? In a big city, small town? Does it matter?
There are so many great schools and great campuses all throughout the country. I'm not suggesting that you should limit your search solely because of climate but I am suggesting that you take a moment to consider what is appealing to you. Look past the glossy viewbooks and flashy websites and think about what day to day college life will be like for you. A snow day in Texas? Pretty rare. Pretty wonderful.
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