Finding the Perfect Fit

A College Decision-Making Guide and Journal

A College Decision-Making Guide and Journal

regis.edu/rc/perfectfit

You have a big decision to make.

When it comes to choosing where you want to spend four years of college, everything matters—from the school’s location to the personality of its students.

But don’t worry. We’re here to help.

FINDING THE PERFECT FIT A COLLEGE DECISION-MAKING GUIDE REGIS UNIVERSITY

It may seem like a daunting task, but choosing the right college is really just a matter of looking inward at your own personality and needs, looking outward at what each school has to offer you, and then comparing answers to find the best match.

And that’s exactly what this journal will help you do.

Because, at the end of the day, we truly want you to be happy.

TABLE OF CONTENTS PART 1:

Looking Inward Get to know yourself and your needs a little better by asking 5 important questions.

Page 1

PART 2:

Looking Outward It’s your turn to give out grades.

Rank each college you visit based on 20 important topics.

Page 13

FINDING THE PERFECT FIT A COLLEGE DECISION-MAKING GUIDE REGIS UNIVERSITY

PART 1: LOOKING INWARD

5 questions on what matters to you.

Finding your perfect fit takes more than just researching the individual schools.

You also have to research yourself a bit— and figure out exactly what it is that you’re looking for in your college and in your future. The more you know about yourself before you start visiting campuses, the easier your decision will be in the end.

FINDING THE PERFECT FIT A COLLEGE DECISION-MAKING GUIDE REGIS UNIVERSITY

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Regis University Men’s Soccer

Regis University is part of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC), Division II Varsity Athletics.

O’Sullivan Art Gallery

PART 1: LOOKING INWARD

TAKE AN HONEST LOOK AT YOUR PERSONALITY What types of people do you enjoy being around?

Are you an introvert or an extrovert?

Were you born to be a leader?

Would you rather be a big fish in a small pond or the other way around?

What did you learn about yourself?

Regis University Campus FINDING THE PERFECT FIT A COLLEGE DECISION-MAKING GUIDE REGIS UNIVERSITY

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Fr. Greg Boyle, Executive Director of Homeboy Industries and Author of Tattoos on the Heart

Regis students, faculty and staff provide gazillions of community service hours every year both locally and around the globe.

Ethiopia Intercultural Immersion Trip

Colorado Flood Cleanup

PART 1: LOOKING INWARD

TAKE A MOMENT TO EXAMINE YOUR VALUES AND MORALS Does faith play an important role in your life?

Do you strive to make a difference in the world around you?

Do you enjoy giving back to your community?

For what do you want your voice to be heard?

FINDING THE PERFECT FIT A COLLEGE DECISION-MAKING GUIDE REGIS UNIVERSITY

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Denver Art Museum

Colorado happens to be the 6th happiest and 7th healthiest state in the country (it’s tough to beat Hawaii).

Day of Rock, Denver, Colorado

Mountain Biking

PART 1: LOOKING INWARD

THINK ABOUT WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPIEST Do you love to spend time exploring the outdoors?

Are you a fan of sports or music?

Can you spend hours wandering through an art museum or searching for the perfect slice of pizza?

What do you like to do for your personal well-being?

FINDING THE PERFECT FIT A COLLEGE DECISION-MAKING GUIDE REGIS UNIVERSITY

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Éclair: School of Physical Therapy Service Dog Graduate

Regis bachelor’s degree graduates earn some of the highest starting salaries in the state.

Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance

Bachelor of Science in Biology

PART 1: LOOKING INWARD

PRETEND YOU’RE LOOKING INTO YOUR OWN CRYSTAL BALL Where do you see yourself when you graduate?

What does it say on the degree you’re holding?

What’s your passion?

What’s your dream career?

(Remember, it’s OK to dream big.)

What did you learn about yourself?

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Downtown Denver, Colorado

Denver is the 3rd most educated city in the U.S..

Regis University Campus, Orientation Weekend

Breckenridge, Colorado

PART 1: LOOKING INWARD

LOCATION IS A BIG DEAL Do you thrive in the big city?

Or do you feel more at home in the countryside or the mountains?

And speaking of home, do you need to stick close by or are you ready to wander?

What did you learn about yourself?

FINDING THE PERFECT FIT A COLLEGE DECISION-MAKING GUIDE REGIS UNIVERSITY

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PART 2: LOOKING OUTWARD

Moving onward by looking outward.

Now that you’ve got a better idea of what matters to you, it’s time to take a closer look at the colleges you’re considering.

And campus visits are the perfect time to do that. Take a good look around at the students, the faculty, the location, the buildings, the community. Remember, everything matters.

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14 Nobel Laureate visits in the past eight years.

PART 2: LOOKING OUTWARD

QUESTIONS FOR YOUR TOUR GUIDES Your tour guides and the school staff members will cover a lot during your visit—but they might not cover everything you’d like to know. Here’s a list of ten questions you may want to ask while you have the chance.

1.

What is your favorite activity or tradition on campus? What do you do on the weekends for fun?

2.

What percentage of freshman return for their sophomore year?

3.

What is the hardest class you’ve had to take? What helped you get through it?

4.

How big are the classes? And are they taught by professors? Or will I have teaching assistants or graduate students?

FINDING THE PERFECT FIT A COLLEGE DECISION-MAKING GUIDE REGIS UNIVERSITY

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5.

Do classes fill up quickly and will I have a difficult time getting into the course I need?

How much should I save for textbooks?

6.

How accessible are the professors and advisors? If I email them, how quickly do they respond? Are they easy to talk to?

7.

What kinds of internship or study abroad opportunities do you have? Are there a lot of jobs on campus to earn money?

8.

Do you like the food on campus? Where are the best places to go eat off campus?

9.

Will I need a car to get around or are things within walking distance?

10.

Why did you come here? What advice would you give me for my first year?

Regis University College #1

DATE OF VISIT

VISITING WITH

THE WEATHER

MY MOOD

REGIS UNIVERSITY

College #1

PART 2: LOOKING OUTWARD

Visit regis.edu/rc/perfectfit for more helpful information about making your decision.

PART 2: LOOKING OUTWARD

20 THINGS THAT MATTER While your visit is still fresh in your mind, take a few minutes to rank Regis University based on how you feel about each of these 20 items. Need more info about a certain topic? Ask your tour guide, your admissions counselor or a faculty member…don’t be shy!

1.

I can picture myself fitting in with the students here.

FAIR

2.

I’d be happy spending the next four years on this campus.

FAIR

3.

EXCELLENT

I’d be comfortable living in the residence halls here.

FAIR

4.

EXCELLENT

EXCELLENT

The college staff was friendly and helpful.

FAIR

EXCELLENT

FINDING THE PERFECT FIT A COLLEGE DECISION-MAKING GUIDE REGIS UNIVERSITY

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5.

I like the size and layout of the campus.

FAIR

6.

The campus feels safe enough to walk around at night.

FAIR

7.

EXCELLENT

This school provides enough opportunities for volunteering or service learning.

FAIR

10.

EXCELLENT

I’m happy with the cultural diversity of this school.

FAIR

9.

EXCELLENT

I like the look of the classrooms, lecture halls and other facilities.

FAIR

8.

EXCELLENT

EXCELLENT

This school is a good match for my beliefs and values.

FAIR

EXCELLENT

11.

I’m happy with the extracurricular activities offered here.

FAIR

12.

This school offers the courses and majors that I’m interested in.

FAIR

13.

EXCELLENT

I believe there’s enough of a support system in place to help me succeed in my studies.

FAIR

15.

EXCELLENT

I’m happy with the class sizes and faculty to student ratio.

FAIR

14.

EXCELLENT

EXCELLENT

I’m confident I’ll be able to find a job after I graduate from here.

FAIR

EXCELLENT

FINDING THE PERFECT FIT A COLLEGE DECISION-MAKING GUIDE REGIS UNIVERSITY

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16.

I believe attending this school is a good investment in my future.

FAIR

17.

I’m comfortable with the availability of scholarships and financial aid at this school.

FAIR

18.

EXCELLENT

There’s enough to do in the area so that I won’t feel bored.

FAIR

20.

EXCELLENT

I’m happy with the distance this campus is from my home.

FAIR

19.

EXCELLENT

EXCELLENT

It’ll be easy enough for my friends and family to visit me here.

FAIR

EXCELLENT

TOTAL SCORE:

Is this a good score? You’ll find out later (on the page that folds open) when you’ll have a chance to grade all of the schools you’ve visited.

FINDING THE PERFECT FIT A COLLEGE DECISION-MAKING GUIDE REGIS UNIVERSITY

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NOTES

NOTES

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NOTES

NOTES

FINDING THE PERFECT FIT A COLLEGE DECISION-MAKING GUIDE REGIS UNIVERSITY

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NOTES

PART 2: LOOKING OUTWARD

College #2

College #2

DATE OF VISIT

VISITING WITH

THE WEATHER

MY MOOD

Regis University’s Outdoor Adventure Program offers year-round excursions in the Colorado Rockies and beyond.

PART 2: LOOKING OUTWARD

20 THINGS THAT MATTER While your visit is still fresh in your mind, take a few minutes to rank this school based on how you feel about each of these 20 items. Need more info about a certain topic? Ask your tour guide, your admissions counselor or a faculty member…don’t be shy!

1.

I can picture myself fitting in with the students here.

FAIR

2.

I’d be happy spending the next four years on this campus.

FAIR

3.

EXCELLENT

I’d be comfortable living in the residence halls here.

FAIR

4.

EXCELLENT

EXCELLENT

The college staff was friendly and helpful.

FAIR

EXCELLENT

FINDING THE PERFECT FIT A COLLEGE DECISION-MAKING GUIDE REGIS UNIVERSITY

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5.

I like the size and layout of the campus.

FAIR

6.

The campus feels safe enough to walk around at night.

FAIR

7.

EXCELLENT

This school provides enough opportunities for volunteering or service learning.

FAIR

10.

EXCELLENT

I’m happy with the cultural diversity of this school.

FAIR

9.

EXCELLENT

I like the look of the classrooms, lecture halls and other facilities.

FAIR

8.

EXCELLENT

EXCELLENT

This school is a good match for my beliefs and values.

FAIR

EXCELLENT

11.

I’m happy with the extracurricular activities offered here.

FAIR

12.

This school offers the courses and majors that I’m interested in.

FAIR

13.

EXCELLENT

I believe there’s enough of a support system in place to help me succeed in my studies.

FAIR

15.

EXCELLENT

I’m happy with the class sizes and faculty to student ratio.

FAIR

14.

EXCELLENT

EXCELLENT

I’m confident I’ll be able to find a job after I graduate from here.

FAIR

EXCELLENT

FINDING THE PERFECT FIT A COLLEGE DECISION-MAKING GUIDE REGIS UNIVERSITY

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16.

I believe attending this school is a good investment in my future.

FAIR

17.

I’m comfortable with the availability of scholarships and financial aid at this school.

FAIR

18.

EXCELLENT

There’s enough to do in the area so that I won’t feel bored.

FAIR

20.

EXCELLENT

I’m happy with the distance this campus is from my home.

FAIR

19.

EXCELLENT

EXCELLENT

It’ll be easy enough for my friends and family to visit me here.

FAIR

EXCELLENT

TOTAL SCORE:

Is this a good score? You’ll find out later (on the page that folds open) when you’ll have a chance to grade all of the schools you’ve visited.

FINDING THE PERFECT FIT A COLLEGE DECISION-MAKING GUIDE REGIS UNIVERSITY

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NOTES

NOTES

FINDING THE PERFECT FIT A COLLEGE DECISION-MAKING GUIDE REGIS UNIVERSITY

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NOTES

NOTES

FINDING THE PERFECT FIT A COLLEGE DECISION-MAKING GUIDE REGIS UNIVERSITY

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NOTES

PART 2: LOOKING OUTWARD

College #3

College #3

DATE OF VISIT

VISITING WITH

THE WEATHER

MY MOOD

Denver hosts an annual Bike to Work day to focus on health & wellness and sustainable living.

PART 2: LOOKING OUTWARD

20 THINGS THAT MATTER While your visit is still fresh in your mind, take a few minutes to rank this school based on how you feel about each of these 20 items. Need more info about a certain topic? Ask your tour guide, your admissions counselor or a faculty member…don’t be shy!

1.

I can picture myself fitting in with the students here.

FAIR

2.

I’d be happy spending the next four years on this campus.

FAIR

3.

EXCELLENT

I’d be comfortable living in the residence halls here.

FAIR

4.

EXCELLENT

EXCELLENT

The college staff was friendly and helpful.

FAIR

EXCELLENT

FINDING THE PERFECT FIT A COLLEGE DECISION-MAKING GUIDE REGIS UNIVERSITY

43

5.

I like the size and layout of the campus.

FAIR

6.

The campus feels safe enough to walk around at night.

FAIR

7.

EXCELLENT

This school provides enough opportunities for volunteering or service learning.

FAIR

10.

EXCELLENT

I’m happy with the cultural diversity of this school.

FAIR

9.

EXCELLENT

I like the look of the classrooms, lecture halls and other facilities.

FAIR

8.

EXCELLENT

EXCELLENT

This school is a good match for my beliefs and values.

FAIR

EXCELLENT

11.

I’m happy with the extracurricular activities offered here.

FAIR

12.

This school offers the courses and majors that I’m interested in.

FAIR

13.

EXCELLENT

I believe there’s enough of a support system in place to help me succeed in my studies.

FAIR

15.

EXCELLENT

I’m happy with the class sizes and faculty to student ratio.

FAIR

14.

EXCELLENT

EXCELLENT

I’m confident I’ll be able to find a job after I graduate from here.

FAIR

EXCELLENT

FINDING THE PERFECT FIT A COLLEGE DECISION-MAKING GUIDE REGIS UNIVERSITY

45

16.

I believe attending this school is a good investment in my future.

FAIR

17.

I’m comfortable with the availability of scholarships and financial aid at this school.

FAIR

18.

EXCELLENT

There’s enough to do in the area so that I won’t feel bored.

FAIR

20.

EXCELLENT

I’m happy with the distance this campus is from my home.

FAIR

19.

EXCELLENT

EXCELLENT

It’ll be easy enough for my friends and family to visit me here.

FAIR

EXCELLENT

TOTAL SCORE:

Is this a good score? You’ll find out later (on the page that folds open) when you’ll have a chance to grade all of the schools you’ve visited.

FINDING THE PERFECT FIT A COLLEGE DECISION-MAKING GUIDE REGIS UNIVERSITY

47

NOTES

NOTES

FINDING THE PERFECT FIT A COLLEGE DECISION-MAKING GUIDE REGIS UNIVERSITY

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NOTES

NOTES

FINDING THE PERFECT FIT A COLLEGE DECISION-MAKING GUIDE REGIS UNIVERSITY

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NOTES

PART 2: LOOKING OUTWARD

College #4

DATE OF VISIT

THE WEATHER

MY MOOD

College #4

VISITING WITH

Regis offers more than 60 majors, more than 35 minors and over 300 days of sunshine a year.

PART 2: LOOKING OUTWARD

20 THINGS THAT MATTER While your visit is still fresh in your mind, take a few minutes to rank this school based on how you feel about each of these 20 items. Need more info about a certain topic? Ask your tour guide, your admissions counselor or a faculty member…don’t be shy!

1.

I can picture myself fitting in with the students here.

FAIR

2.

I’d be happy spending the next four years on this campus.

FAIR

3.

EXCELLENT

I’d be comfortable living in the residence halls here.

FAIR

4.

EXCELLENT

EXCELLENT

The college staff was friendly and helpful.

FAIR

EXCELLENT

FINDING THE PERFECT FIT A COLLEGE DECISION-MAKING GUIDE REGIS UNIVERSITY

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5.

I like the size and layout of the campus.

FAIR

6.

The campus feels safe enough to walk around at night.

FAIR

7.

EXCELLENT

This school provides enough opportunities for volunteering or service learning.

FAIR

10.

EXCELLENT

I’m happy with the cultural diversity of this school.

FAIR

9.

EXCELLENT

I like the look of the classrooms, lecture halls and other facilities.

FAIR

8.

EXCELLENT

EXCELLENT

This school is a good match for my beliefs and values.

FAIR

EXCELLENT

11.

I’m happy with the extracurricular activities offered here.

FAIR

12.

This school offers the courses and majors that I’m interested in.

FAIR

13.

EXCELLENT

I believe there’s enough of a support system in place to help me succeed in my studies.

FAIR

15.

EXCELLENT

I’m happy with the class sizes and faculty to student ratio.

FAIR

14.

EXCELLENT

EXCELLENT

I’m confident I’ll be able to find a job after I graduate from here.

FAIR

EXCELLENT

FINDING THE PERFECT FIT A COLLEGE DECISION-MAKING GUIDE REGIS UNIVERSITY

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16.

I believe attending this school is a good investment in my future.

FAIR

17.

I’m comfortable with the availability of scholarships and financial aid at this school.

FAIR

18.

EXCELLENT

There’s enough to do in the area so that I won’t feel bored.

FAIR

20.

EXCELLENT

I’m happy with the distance this campus is from my home.

FAIR

19.

EXCELLENT

EXCELLENT

It’ll be easy enough for my friends and family to visit me here.

FAIR

EXCELLENT

TOTAL SCORE:

Is this a good score? You’ll find out later (on the page that folds open) when you’ll have a chance to grade all of the schools you’ve visited.

FINDING THE PERFECT FIT A COLLEGE DECISION-MAKING GUIDE REGIS UNIVERSITY

59

NOTES

NOTES

FINDING THE PERFECT FIT A COLLEGE DECISION-MAKING GUIDE REGIS UNIVERSITY

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NOTES

NOTES

FINDING THE PERFECT FIT A COLLEGE DECISION-MAKING GUIDE REGIS UNIVERSITY

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NOTES

PART 2: LOOKING OUTWARD

College #5

DATE OF VISIT

VISITING WITH

THE WEATHER

MY MOOD

College #5

Rolling Stone has named Red Rocks as the best U.S. amphitheatre.

PART 2: LOOKING OUTWARD

20 THINGS THAT MATTER While your visit is still fresh in your mind, take a few minutes to rank this school based on how you feel about each of these 20 items. Need more info about a certain topic? Ask your tour guide, your admissions counselor or a faculty member…don’t be shy!

1.

I can picture myself fitting in with the students here.

FAIR

2.

I’d be happy spending the next four years on this campus.

FAIR

3.

EXCELLENT

I’d be comfortable living in the residence halls here.

FAIR

4.

EXCELLENT

EXCELLENT

The college staff was friendly and helpful.

FAIR

EXCELLENT

FINDING THE PERFECT FIT A COLLEGE DECISION-MAKING GUIDE REGIS UNIVERSITY

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5.

I like the size and layout of the campus.

FAIR

6.

The campus feels safe enough to walk around at night.

FAIR

7.

EXCELLENT

This school provides enough opportunities for volunteering or service learning.

FAIR

10.

EXCELLENT

I’m happy with the cultural diversity of this school.

FAIR

9.

EXCELLENT

I like the look of the classrooms, lecture halls and other facilities.

FAIR

8.

EXCELLENT

EXCELLENT

This school is a good match for my beliefs and values.

FAIR

EXCELLENT

11.

I’m happy with the extracurricular activities offered here.

FAIR

12.

This school offers the courses and majors that I’m interested in.

FAIR

13.

EXCELLENT

I believe there’s enough of a support system in place to help me succeed in my studies.

FAIR

15.

EXCELLENT

I’m happy with the class sizes and faculty to student ratio.

FAIR

14.

EXCELLENT

EXCELLENT

I’m confident I’ll be able to find a job after I graduate from here.

FAIR

EXCELLENT

FINDING THE PERFECT FIT A COLLEGE DECISION-MAKING GUIDE REGIS UNIVERSITY

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16.

I believe attending this school is a good investment in my future.

FAIR

17.

I’m comfortable with the availability of scholarships and financial aid at this school.

FAIR

18.

EXCELLENT

There’s enough to do in the area so that I won’t feel bored.

FAIR

20.

EXCELLENT

I’m happy with the distance this campus is from my home.

FAIR

19.

EXCELLENT

EXCELLENT

It’ll be easy enough for my friends and family to visit me here.

FAIR

EXCELLENT

TOTAL SCORE:

Is this a good score? You’ll find out later (on the page that folds open) when you’ll have a chance to grade all of the schools you’ve visited.

FINDING THE PERFECT FIT A COLLEGE DECISION-MAKING GUIDE REGIS UNIVERSITY

71

NOTES

NOTES

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NOTES

NOTES

FINDING THE PERFECT FIT A COLLEGE DECISION-MAKING GUIDE REGIS UNIVERSITY

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NOTES

NOTES

FINDING THE PERFECT FIT A COLLEGE DECISION-MAKING GUIDE REGIS UNIVERSITY

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PART 2: LOOKING OUTWARD

Time for a little math.

Once you’re done with all of your visits, write down the total score you gave each school and then use this key to figure out which one is the best fit for you!

Disclaimer: Obviously, a lot of factors go into choosing

a college. This scoring key—and this entire

journal—are only meant as a helpful guide.

Fold in

KEY

TOTAL SCORE

College #2

TOTAL SCORE

College #3

TOTAL SCORE

College #4

TOTAL SCORE

College #5

90 or more A Looks like you and this school are a match made in heaven!

80-89 B You’d probably be very happy spending four years at this school.

70-79 C A decent match, but you may want to consider other choices.

69 or less

D

It seems like there are better matches for you out there.

REGIS UNIVERSITY

College #1

TOTAL SCORE

Total Scores OPEN HERE

The Choice is Yours.

Now that you’ve done your homework, you have a decision to make. It’s an important one, but don’t let that scare you. As a Jesuit Catholic University, our faith tells us that even though the best choice may not be obvious right away, in time, the right path will become clear. Read ahead for more Jesuit-inspired decision-making tips.

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The Tree of Wisdom, Regis University campus Jesuit education supports the coexistence of science and religion.

Your emotions will play an important role in making your decision but, reason is a more important and more valuable tool.

Try to stay true to your own thoughts. Advice from your friends and family can be helpful, but it’s important to start your decision as impartially as you can.

When making a difficult decision, a good process is essential. It may sound obvious, but try making a list of the possible pros and cons for each choice. You might find out that the best choice is more obvious than you thought.

Pretend you’ve made the decision, even if you haven’t. Go through your normal routine for a few days as if you’ve chosen a certain college already. How does it make you feel? Are you at peace with that choice—or is something bothering you? Then, try doing the same thing for the other schools on your list and see which one feels best!

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We’re confident that you and Regis University will be a great fit—and, at the end of the day, that’s what matters most.

For more information about:

Upcoming Visit Events Financial Aid Areas of Study Contacting your Admissions Counselor

Visit regis.edu/rc/perfectfit

#thisisregis | regis.edu

FPO 3333 Regis Boulevard | Denver, Colorado 80221-1099 Š Regis University, 2018. All Rights Reserved.

Regis University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

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