For many traditional-age students, choosing which college to attend can be an act of self-determination. But that act is often affected by forces and factors beyond their control. These are the stories of students whose varied lives and personal circumstances shaped their choices.
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The College Choice
An Aspiring Doctor Dreamed of Spelman. But Could She Afford to Go?
This promising student had her heart set on one college. To get there, she would have to overcome two wealth gaps that play a large role in higher education. -
The College Choice
Accessibility and the Intangibles: How 2 Students With Disabilities Chose a College
This is the second article in a series on college applicants and the circumstances that shaped their choices this spring. -
The College Choice
A Rural Student Sought a Faraway College. Then Came a Frustrating Setback.
She won two big scholarships that promised to further her dreams. Then they were yanked away. -
The College Choice
He Wanted to Go Away to College. The Pull to Stay at Home Was Strong.
The prospect of living on campus felt both exciting and frightening. It also seemed like a longshot. -
The College Choice
Finding Safety: The Path 2 LGBTQ Students Took to College
Such applicants have many of the typical concerns in choosing a college, like affordability, location, and size. But they also pay close attention to questions such as how inclusive is it, really? -
The College Choice
Into the Unknown: One Undocumented Student’s Anxious Search for a College
A promising student saw no path to a four-year college. Then she met a helpful stranger.