The "Whether" and "Which" Questions: Understanding College Decisions
High school students and their families face one of the most important decisions of their lives: whether to attend college and, if so, which college to choose. These are two distinct questions, each requiring different thought processes and decision-making skills. Understanding the difference between them and the order in which to approach them can make the decision less overwhelming and more strategic.
Let’s dive into how to approach these questions, why the order of operations matters, and how to stay on track when deciding the next step in your academic journey.
About the author: Jeff Hulett leads Personal Finance Reimagined, a decision-making and financial education platform. He teaches personal finance at James Madison University and provides personal finance seminars. Check out his book -- Making Choices, Making Money: Your Guide to Making Confident Financial Decisions.
Jeff is a career banker, data scientist, behavioral economist, and choice architect. Jeff has held banking and consulting leadership roles at Wells Fargo, Citibank, KPMG, and IBM.
The "Whether" Question: Should You Go to College?
The first and most fundamental question is the "whether" question: Should you attend college at all? For some, this is a clear yes from the start. For others, it's a more complex decision, requiring deep self-reflection about goals, finances, career aspirations, and life circumstances.
The "whether" question is not just a practical one; it's also a self-referential decision. Essentially, you're asking your current self to make a prediction about your future self: Will attending college help me flourish 5, 10, or 20 years down the road? This can be tricky because it requires imagining who you’ll become and what opportunities college might unlock for your future. Your vision of your future flourishing is a massive motivator. Believing, for good reason, that the light at the end of a 5+ year tunnel leads to a successful life is the inspiration to push through the inevitable struggles along the way.
For First-Generation college students, the "whether" decision can be even more challenging. Without a family history of college attendance, it’s harder to envision how a degree might influence future success. These students might not have direct role models who can share their lived experiences, making it more difficult to project how college will shape their lives.
Here are a few factors to consider when wrestling with the "whether" question:
Personal Goals: What do you want out of life? Do you have career aspirations that require a college degree, or are there alternative paths, such as trade school or entrepreneurship, that align with your goals?
Study Habits: This is a very practical question. Do your high school grades reflect the necessary study habits to be successful in the less structured college environment?
Finances: Can you afford college? Will the potential long-term benefits outweigh the financial cost, or would entering the workforce immediately be a better option for your situation? Consider your college decision to maximize the return on your investment. (College ROI)
Alternative Opportunities: What are your other options? Could you gain valuable skills through internships, apprenticeships, or entrepreneurship? Should you consider community college to refine your study habits?
For First-Gen students: Connect with college-graduated adults in your community. These could be teachers, school counselors, coaches, religious leaders, family friends, etc. Please see this article for the best questions to ask!
This decision taps into the emotional part of the brain, specifically the limbic system, where we assess personal values, emotional drives, and risk tolerance. It’s about making a long-term decision based on your future self’s likely benefits.
The "Which" Question: Choosing the Right College
Once you’ve answered the "whether" question, the next decision to tackle is the "which" question: Which college is the best fit for you? This is more analytical and involves practical comparisons between different institutions.
The "which" question engages the brain’s prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for rational thinking, decision-making, and planning. Now you're looking at concrete data, such as:
Academic Programs: Does the school offer strong programs in the field you're interested in?
Location: Are you looking for a college near home, or are you open to exploring schools out of state?
Campus Life: Does the culture of the college feel like a good fit? Would you thrive socially and academically in that environment?
Financial Aid: Which school offers the best financial aid package or scholarships?
This question is about comparing facts, figures, and fit. At this stage, you’re less concerned with whether college is the right path and more focused on finding the right college for you.
The Importance of Order: Answering the "Whether" Question First
The order in which you tackle these questions matters. Before diving deeply into choosing a specific school, it’s essential to first make sure that college itself is the right choice for you. Skipping ahead to the "which" question without fully addressing the "whether" question could lead to unnecessary stress, wasted time, or regret later on.
However, some “kicking the tires” on the "which" question can help inform the "whether" decision. Exploring a few schools or programs may help you better understand whether college aligns with your long-term goals. For example, you may discover that your dream career requires a specific degree, or you may realize that college isn’t necessary for the path you want to pursue. Just don’t get too caught up in the details of specific colleges before you’ve answered the bigger question of whether college itself is the right move.
Tips for Tackling Both Questions
Here are some tips for effectively navigating both the "whether" and "which" questions:
Start with Self-Reflection: Before anything else, take time to assess your values, goals, and aspirations. Where do you see yourself in five or ten years, and how might college fit into that vision?
Gather Information and determine what is important to you: Research your career interests and find out whether they typically require a college degree. Talk to people in your desired field, attend career fairs, and look at job descriptions to get a sense of the educational requirements. Weighing your college preferences is essential at this step.
Explore Alternatives: Before committing to college, be sure to consider all your options. Are there apprenticeships, trade schools, or entrepreneurial opportunities that might better suit your goals?
Test the Waters: It's okay to start looking at potential colleges to see what they offer. You might find that a certain program excites you, which could help solidify your decision to attend college. Conversely, you might realize that college isn’t necessary for what you want to achieve.
Consult Trusted Adults: Talk with family, teachers, and mentors about your options. They can offer guidance, share personal experiences, and help you weigh the pros and cons of your decision.
Use Decision Tools: Decision-making apps like Definitive Choice and College Xoice can help you weigh your options and compare factors like programs, finances, and campus life. These tools simplify the process and provide a clear framework to make the best choice confidently.
Conclusion
Answering the "whether" and "which" questions is a critical part of the college decision-making process. Each requires a different mindset and engages different parts of the brain. The "whether" question asks you to predict how your future self will benefit from attending college, while the "which" question focuses on choosing the right institution to help you achieve your goals. By approaching these decisions in the right order, you can make a more thoughtful, informed choice that sets you on the best path to success.
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