Every fall, students around the country have to make difficult decisions about which colleges would be the best matches for them. But Jewish students also must ensure that they pick a college that will be supportive of their religion. Below are three tips to help Jewish students pick the right college.
Do Your Research: The Hillel website www.hillel.org/index has wonderful resources for Jewish students. You can search any college and find out a plethora of information — including if the school offers Jewish studies, kosher food, and on-campus religious services.
Talk to a Student: Contact each school’s Hillel and ask to speak to a Jewish student who is currently attending. Students are more likely than admissions officers to give you honest answers about what life is like for Jewish students at your chosen school.
Visit the Campus: It’s always a good idea to visit the school and get a sense of the students, professors, and community. Attend synagogue, audit a Jewish studies class, and meet with the Hillel staff to get a better understanding of the community.
Deciding which college to attend can be one of the biggest choices of your life. By following these easy tips, you will guarantee that you choose a campus that is more than just a school — it will be a place to call home.
Alana Albertson is the founder of Academe Advantage (www.AcademeAdvantage.com) and has a master’s degree in education from Harvard University and a bachelor’s degree in English from Stanford University. Alana provides rare insight as both a successful two-time Ivy League applicant and as a former admissions officer with more than 16 years experience in test preparation and college and graduate school admissions. She has helped many Jewish students gain admissions to the colleges and graduate schools of their dreams. She has also volunteered extensively in the Jewish Ukrainian refugee community.