Young Edge | City, campus or curriculum? What drives college choices for Class 12 students

Shrushti Ghumare, a Class 12 Science student from Fergusson College, Pune, echoes this sentiment. She has applied to reputed colleges known for offering strong Finance programmes. “Even if the campus isn’t very glamorous, I’ll go where there are experienced professors and where alumni have done well. That gives me confidence in the curriculum,” she explains. For students like Ghumare, a solid academic foundation and a clear path to career opportunities are critical decision drivers.

However, for many others, the location of the college is equally important. Big cities often offer greater exposure, access to events, and real-world learning opportunities. Shivraj Thakur, a Science student, has his eyes set on Delhi, the national capital. “It’s not just about the college, but it’s the exposure too. I want to attend events, workshops, and meet professionals. Metro cities just offer more beyond textbooks,” he says. The energy and resources available in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore are seen as catalysts for both academic and extracurricular growth.

Beyond academics and geography, campus culture is emerging as a strong influence. Students nowadays are seeking an environment that supports personal development and offers a vibrant student life. Grishma Kadam, a student from Versatile School and Junior College, highlights the importance of campus ambience.

“It is important to have a good environment along with education. This time is crucial and cannot be gained back. It’s not just education, I want experiences too,” she says. “Colleges come with more networking opportunities and internships. That matters as much as classroom teaching,” she adds, pointing to the growing importance of soft skills, peer learning, and co-curricular engagement.

Masum Agarwal, another student preparing for graduation, places equal weight on ambience, reputation, and placements. “For me, along with the curriculum, the college should have a good reputation and provide good placements. Even the events play a major role as they give practical exposure to students,” he says. Her view reflects the preference for institutions that balance academics with opportunities for professional and personal development.

Yet, not all decisions are based purely on aspiration. Practical considerations such as affordability, safety, accommodation, and proximity to family often factor into the final choice. Lakmi Shitale, a commerce student from MM College, points out this dilemma. “My parents want me closer to home. It’s a balance between my aspirations and their concerns,” she says. Her situation is not uncommon, as many students find themselves aligning their ambitions with familial expectations.

Ultimately, choosing a college is not a one-dimensional process. Students today are increasingly making informed choices based on a mix of academic interests, city dynamics, campus culture, career prospects, and emotional factors. The weight of this decision is acknowledged by most students who see their college years as more than just a phase of study, it is a time of transformation.

As Science student Shreya Gaikwad aptly puts it, “Choosing a college isn’t just about a degree, it’s choosing a new life. And that life should feel right in your gut.”

In a landscape of expanding options, students today are no longer looking at just where they get in, but they’re asking where they will thrive.