<p>Living in urban philly, I really wanted to go out West and really experience a different aspect of the country. So I thought what better way to do that then to go to college out West. Is it a good idea to want to go to a college because of this?</p>
<p>I don’t see why not. Do you like the other aspects of the schools you’re looking at? Actually, narrowing down your search to only a certain location or a certain type of location is actually helpful in choosing which schools are right for you. There are a lot of private schools out west (but good luck with most of the public schools in California), each with something to offer. That’s no different than someone limiting their search to New England or the east coast.</p>
<p>I agree. Nothing at all wrong with having a geographical preference. Truth is there are great colleges all across the country and you won’t have trouble finding whatever you’re looking for in the west.</p>
<p>My son felt just like you. He’s an AZ native and decided that he wanted to experience a different climate and culture. So he limited his school search to colleges located in places where it rains a lot (Pacific Northwest) and/or has a “real” winter (New England and the Midwest). He’s now attending school in Boston and loves it there!</p>
<p>It is important that you consider other factors as well (size of school, rural/urban, academic progams, cost, etc.) – and not JUST weather – to find the school that’s right for you. But it’s certainly OK to consider geographic location/climate when you’re choosing schools to apply to.</p>
<p>You’ll find all sorts of great universities across the nation so there’s nothing wrong with going out to experience a new place. The only thing, not matter where this university is, make sure it’s the one that’s right for you. Don’t just pick a “big name” if it’s not what you’re really looking for.</p>
<p>Location, is the biggest factor in considering colleges to me. Sure a college in the midwest might be the perfect “fit” for me, but I’m staying on the East Coast, I love the proximity to beaches and being a few hours drive from home.</p>
<p>I’m the opposite. I’m from CA applying to mostly schools in the East, though i’m also applying to several colleges in CA. What’s really crazy is that two of my top 3 choices is next to philly (swat/haverford), so we’re basically switching places for 4 years.</p>
<p>I would still apply to schools in other regions of the country unless your list of colleges is too long already. I used geographical preference as a quick way to eliminate colleges that I’m not very interested in. A college needs to be great for me to apply if it’s in an “undesirable” location.</p>
<p>I agree with PBush. The only trouble is that tends to eliminate some schools right off the bat that could be great fits. I think you should use geography at first, to come up with an initial list of colleges, but be willing to apply somewhere else if it’s got all the other things you’re looking for. Again, I’m a rather big proponent of using Collegeboard.com to find “match” schools.</p>
<p>Sounds like a good idea. And being able to offer regional diversity may help your chances of getting accepted.</p>
<p>If location is a very important element to you, you do NOT have to look at other parts of the country even if it “eliminates” fit schools. If location is an important element of fit and other schools aren’t in the right place, then they won’t be a “fit” school and you won’t be “eliminating” them.</p>
<p>A LOT of what you learn in college takes place outside the classroom…being in an interesting place far from home sounds like a winning combo.</p>
<p>you’re title was a little misleading; from it I thought you were going to pick a college just because of its location. Good way to select a vacation, not a college. But in the thread it sounds like you’re going to find a college thats a good fit, just also out West. That’s a fine approach, just as someone in CA might want to go East for college.</p>
<p>go where you want to live. except if its out of the country or the school is not up to par with your standards(ex hawaii alaska. </p>
<p>if you wont enjoy living in a nearby area, then internships and potential jobs wont be enjoyable</p>