School decision based on location

[bsteven2]

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Obviously we all know that there are other reasons besides location that one may pick a school over the other ( atleast I hope) however, this is one of the factors that for me weighs into where I applied and where I wil go if accepted. But, how frowned upon is this criterion when stating such and such school was desireable because it is located at X rather than Y etc etc when writing a secondary or even in the interview??

 

[Celtsfan]

I'm sure schools want students who like the area they are going to live in but that obviously can't be the only reason you're applying. I grew up about 10 minutes from UNECOM and when I interviewed there they asked why I wanted to go there besides the fact I'm a local kid and I love the area. So it would probably be beneficial to have some other deciding factors.

 

[beachblonde]

I think if you want to go that route, you need to place "location" in an appropriate context. Like, you want to live in X because you have family there, or you want to go to school in place Y because you want to do rural medicine. Saying that you just are shunning (insert rural/suburban/cities) locations for (insert rural/suburban/cities) locations is not the best idea.

Personally, I prefer urban and suburban areas, but I wouldn't stroll into an interview at a more rural school and say, "ew, this town is too small!" I just don't see ADCOMs being very happy with that.

 

[Bacchus]

Location played a big roll for me. I knew I wouldn't go to LECOM if accepted because I didn't have 'the feeling' as many put it. However, I knew I'd be happy at VCOM or PCOM. Both locations were ideal (I'm a hybrid-from small town Pennsylvania living in the city now) for me but in the end the location of Philadelphia, only an hour and a half from my family and near a lot of my college friends pulled in favor of PCOM. So, I definitely based my decision on location.

 

[bsteven2]

I appreciate these comments and yes these are things one could condure up without previous knowledge because obviously there are other reasons I am applying that will be stated in the secondary, im mainly concerned that using this as even a reason in answering the question " whyd you choose school X?" among other reasons listed is frowned upon. Lol I dont think anyone in their right mind would walk into an interview with the comment of "Ew this place is too small " etc etc. I guess that follows along with the, I thought majority of people had basic knowledge of reading and writing until I became an EMT and worked in ER/EMS. How about choosing location X was adventagious for myself because being in a location that suits my personality is condusive to my learning process??

 

[bsteven2]

I can appreciate you not wanting to go to lecom based on feeling, Im from the area ( 30 min drive perhaps to lecom) and although I have no family, friends in the west (colorado) that is my number one pick based on location. I like the idea of starting over completely no where near home (22 years in S. florida...a beach is a beach).

 

[Flushot]

This has recently become a major part of my decision, since my ideal location also happens to go hand in hand with delicious instate tuition. Even so, the proximity to family is pretty important to me, even if it's a few hours drive, so I wouldn't put it any other way if asked.

Of course, there's nothing like being prepared if they intend to dig for more reasons.

 

[scpod]

.... But, how frowned upon is this criterion when stating such and such school was desireable because it is located at X rather than Y etc etc when writing a secondary or even in the interview??

Whether in secondaries or interviews location can be a big factor. There's no reason to hide it. Let's say it's because family is nearby:

Interviewer: "So why choose MYSTERYCOM?"

You: "Well, at first it was simply because of location. You are by far the closest school to my family an an obvious choice for me. Yet, when I began looking into things I realized that your reputation, faculty, facilities and students were all superb. I feel comfortable in this place, and I've always believed that I excel when I'm most comfortable. I'm sure that I would be happy at MYSTERYCOM if it were located a thousand miles away. It's just a bonus for me that you are so close to home, don't you think?"

Make sure you look the interviewer in the eye and nod affirmatively at this point. If he nods back, you've taken control of the interview and you are in for sure 🙂

One of my top criteria was to go some place warm. Quite simply, I'm miserable in cold weather. I just hate it. So.... my choices were somewhat limited. I said pretty much the same thing as above in interviews and substituted how comfortable I was in warm weather instead of having family close by. It lead into a rather humerous story about the last time I was in ice and snow. Honestly, it really doesn't matter what you say in an interview.... it's more of how you say it. The same goes with secondaries. If you make what you are writing or saying interesting, then the subject is a moot point.

 

[MossPoh]

Whether in secondaries or interviews location can be a big factor. There's no reason to hide it. Let's say it's because family is nearby:

Interviewer: "So why choose MYSTERYCOM?"

You: "Well, at first it was simply because of location. You are by far the closest school to my family an an obvious choice for me. Yet, when I began looking into things I realized that your reputation, faculty, facilities and students were all superb. I feel comfortable in this place, and I've always believed that I excel when I'm most comfortable. I'm sure that I would be happy at MYSTERYCOM if it were located a thousand miles away. It's just a bonus for me that you are so close to home, don't you think?"

Make sure you look the interviewer in the eye and nod affirmatively at this point. If he nods back, you've taken control of the interview and you are in for sure 🙂

One of my top criteria was to go some place warm. Quite simply, I'm miserable in cold weather. I just hate it. So.... my choices were somewhat limited. I said pretty much the same thing as above in interviews and substituted how comfortable I was in warm weather instead of having family close by. It lead into a rather humerous story about the last time I was in ice and snow. Honestly, it really doesn't matter what you say in an interview.... it's more of how you say it. The same goes with secondaries. If you make what you are writing or saying interesting, then the subject is a moot point.

I agree, but I think what you say matters a little bit. 😉

Big money winner for me so far has been mentioning the connection and strength in my family. All the places that have a bit of a support network around and I make a point of mentioning that gets a good response for some reason.

Location is very important in deciding though. If you aren't going to be happy in the area, then you'll be miserable for a few years and your studying will probably suffer to some degree. Some people need a change. Some people just need to be close to family. My idea situation would have both, but since that isn't happening...I've been choosing friends and family.

 

[213965]

I agree, but I think what you say matters a little bit. 😉

Big money winner for me so far has been mentioning the connection and strength in my family. All the places that have a bit of a support network around and I make a point of mentioning that gets a good response for some reason.

Location is very important in deciding though. If you aren't going to be happy in the area, then you'll be miserable for a few years and your studying will probably suffer to some degree. Some people need a change. Some people just need to be close to family. My idea situation would have both, but since that isn't happening...I've been choosing friends and family.

👍👍👍

 

[engineeredout]

One of my top criteria was to go some place warm. Quite simply, I'm miserable in cold weather. I just hate it.

I'm just the opposite, I think I'd melt away if I was in any place warmer than NY/NJ/PA. I'd go to VCOM or WVSOM, but man that would be rough with the heat