Step 38
Understanding Tradeoffs
Many students reach a point where several college options seem appealing for different reasons.
At that stage, the goal is not to find a school with no drawbacks.
The goal is to understand what you gain and what you give up with each option.
Every meaningful decision involves tradeoffs.
Core Idea
Every good option comes with tradeoffs.
Your One Action
Open your Decision Dashboard.
For each of your top college options, complete:
“If I choose this option, I gain ______.”
“If I choose this option, I give up ______.”
Examples:
being closer to home
being farther from home
a larger campus
a smaller community
lower cost
specific opportunities
a familiar environment
a completely new experience
Then complete: “The tradeoff I am thinking about most right now is ______.”
Optional prompt: “The tradeoff that feels hardest to accept is ______.”
Tradeoff Analysis
Optional Prompt Answer
Deeper Reflection
Ask: "Am I looking for a perfect option, or am I choosing between different sets of advantages and disadvantages?"
Life Question
N/A for this week.
Progress Saved
