CBS Las Vegas (KLAS-TV) Interview with Dr. Shaan Patel

How to Choose the Right College—Without the Stress or Regret
By Dr. Shaan Patel, CEO & Founder of Prep Expert

If your inbox is full of college acceptance letters right now, congratulations. You’ve made it through one of the most competitive application cycles in recent history—and now it’s time for an even bigger decision:

Where will you spend the next four years of your life?

For many students, this question comes with pressure—from parents, from peers, and from social media. But here’s the truth I’ve learned after helping over 100,000 students get into top universities through Prep Expert:

Your college decision isn’t about picking the most impressive school. It’s about choosing the place where you’ll thrive.

Let’s break down how to do that—from evaluating financial aid packages to finding the best academic and cultural fit—without drowning in stress or second-guessing yourself later.

Step 1: Start With Academic Fit

Before you worry about dorms, dining halls, or mascots, focus on the one thing that will shape your daily experience the most: your academic program.

Ask yourself:

• Does this school offer strong programs in my area of interest?
• How well-regarded is the department in my intended major?
• Are there research labs, industry partnerships, or faculty mentors I can learn from?

If you’re undecided (which is totally okay), choose a school with broad academic strengths and flexible major-switching policies. You want room to explore without feeling locked in.

Step 2: Prioritize Financial Fit—Not Just Tuition

Tuition is only part of the picture. A truly smart college decision comes down to net cost—the total price after scholarships, grants, and aid have been applied.

Here’s what to look at:

• Tuition + Housing + Meals + Travel + Books + Fees = Total Cost of Attendance
• Grants and scholarships: These are free and don’t need to be repaid. Prioritize these.
• Loans: These must be repaid—with interest. Compare offers carefully.
• Is aid renewable? Some offers look generous but disappear after freshman year.
• Hidden fees: Look out for orientation fees, lab fees, tech fees, and course materials that can add up quickly.

Also, explore work-study programs and schools with strong job placement pipelines. That part-time job or internship network could save you thousands—and launch your career sooner.

Step 3: Visit (If You Can) and Trust Your Instincts

You can read every blog, compare every ranking, and watch every YouTube tour—but nothing beats visiting a campus in person.

If possible, go while students are in session. Walk through the quad. Sit in the dining hall. Talk to current students. Ask yourself:

• Can I see myself here?
• Does this feel like a place where I’d belong?
• Is it collaborative or competitive?
• Are students involved in clubs, causes, and leadership opportunities?

This is about fit, not just flash. You’re not just choosing a school—you’re choosing a community. You’ll live here, learn here, and grow here. Make sure it feels right.

Step 4: Understand the Culture Behind the Name

A lot of students get caught up chasing name-brand schools. I get it—I went to Yale, and there’s no denying that prestige can open doors.

But I’ve also seen students choose big-name colleges that didn’t fit them, only to end up transferring or burning out.

A top-tier education doesn’t just come from a top-tier name. It comes from engagement, mentorship, support, and the opportunities you create while you’re there.

Sometimes that means a flagship state university. Sometimes it’s a liberal arts college. Sometimes it’s community college with a transfer plan. All are valid. All can lead to success.

Step 5: Be Realistic About Debt

Here’s the number one question I want you to ask:

Will I graduate with manageable debt?

Student loans can be a helpful tool—but too many students take on more than they can reasonably repay.

Use this rule of thumb: Try not to borrow more than you expect to earn in your first year out of college.

For example, if you plan to go into teaching and expect to earn $45,000 after graduation, borrowing $80,000 is a red flag. You’ll be paying that off for decades.

Instead, look for schools that:

• Meet 100% of demonstrated need
• Offer generous merit aid based on test scores, GPA, or extracurriculars
• Provide strong career services and alumni networks to help you land jobs quickly

Step 6: Don’t Rush—But Don’t Miss the Deadline

While most colleges set May 1st as the official College Decision Day, many schools will consider late deposits, especially if you’re waiting on financial aid appeals, making a thoughtful choice, or just feeling unsure.

If you’re still undecided:

• Call admissions offices directly. You’d be surprised how flexible some are.
• Ask for an extension if you need it. Many schools will say yes.
• If you’ve committed but change your mind, you can still switch (just be honest and respectful).

This is your future. Take the time to choose wisely.

Step 7: Block Out the Noise

Friends will post their commitments online. Relatives will ask why you didn’t choose the more “impressive” school. Teachers may offer their opinions.

Listen. But don’t let the noise drown out your intuition.

This is your next four years. Your growth. Your debt. Your experience. Choose the school that feels aligned with your values, your goals, and your future—not someone else’s expectations.

Final Thoughts

The college decision process can feel overwhelming, especially when it’s framed as a once-in-a-lifetime, make-or-break moment.

But here’s what I want every student to remember:

There’s no perfect school—only the one that’s right for you.

Whether you’re choosing between top-tier schools or still considering community college, what matters most is what you do once you get there.

Be proactive. Stay curious. Show up. And build the experience that will shape the rest of your life.

And if you need support along the way—from raising your SAT/ACT scores to winning scholarships or planning your applications for next year—my team at Prep Expert is here to help.

You’ve got this.

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Dr. Shaan Patel is a Shark Tank winner, bestselling author, and founder of Prep Expert, a leading education company helping students improve their SAT/ACT scores, secure scholarships, and gain admission to top colleges. He scored a perfect SAT and has helped thousands of students transform their futures through education.