After Class 12, one of the most important decisions for students and parents is choosing the right college. In a city like Ahmedabad, the most common approach is to select a nearby college - one that is easy to commute to and feels familiar.
While this choice seems practical, it often raises an important question that many students realise too late:
Is choosing a college based only on distance really the right decision for your future?
This blog is a reality check for students after 12th - across all streams and career paths - to help you understand the difference between a nearby college and the right college.
Choosing a nearby college is understandable. Students and families usually consider:
These factors matter - but the issue arises when location becomes the only deciding factor, while academic quality, exposure, and career outcomes are ignored.
The right college is not defined by distance. It is defined by how well it prepares you for life after graduation.
A right college typically offers:
In today’s competitive environment, these factors matter far more than convenience.
| Factor | Nearby College | Right College |
| Decision basis | Convenience | Career readiness |
| Learning style | Mostly theoretical | Practical + applied |
| Exposure | Limited | Industry-oriented |
| Skill development | Depends on self-effort | Structured and guided |
| Long-term value | Uncertain | Strong |
Saving time today should not cost you opportunities tomorrow.
Many students unknowingly repeat the same mistakes while selecting a college. Being aware of them can help you make a smarter decision.
1. Choosing a College Only Because It Is Nearby
Distance matters, but choosing a college only because it is close often leads to compromises in quality, exposure, and career growth.
What to do instead:
Balance distance with what the college offers academically and professionally.
2. Not Understanding the Course Structure
Students often join a college without knowing what they will actually study over the next three years.
What to do instead:
Check subjects, practical components, projects, internships, and specialisations before enrolling.
3. Ignoring Practical Exposure and Skill Development
A degree alone is not enough today. Many students realise too late that their course lacked hands-on learning.
What to do instead:
Look for colleges that emphasise labs, workshops, live projects, and applied learning.
4. Following Friends or Local Crowd Decisions
Choosing a college just because friends are going there or because it is popular nearby can be risky.
What to do instead:
Choose based on your own interests, strengths, and career goals, not peer pressure.
5. Thinking Short-Term Instead of Long-Term
Saving travel time or fees may seem logical now, but it can limit opportunities later.
What to do instead:
Think about where you want to be after graduation, not just where you will study.
For many courses, especially professional ones, learning goes beyond textbooks. Courses that require skills, confidence, and real-world application demand stronger infrastructure and exposure.
This is where the difference between a nearby college and the right college becomes very clear.
If you are planning to pursue a Mass Communication Course, Journalism Course, or a combined Mass Communication and Journalism Course, your choice of college becomes even more critical.
Media careers depend heavily on:
A college that offers strong practical training and exposure gives students a significant advantage - regardless of distance.
Choosing a college after 12th is not just about the next few years - it’s about building a foundation for your career.
A nearby college may feel comfortable today, but the right college prepares you for opportunities tomorrow. If travelling a little more helps you gain better education, skills, and exposure, it is a decision worth considering.
Choose wisely - based on quality, learning, and long-term outcomes, not just convenience.
If you are exploring Mass Communication or Journalism and want to understand what to look for in a quality program, you can find course and admission information here: nimcj.org
Read Next Blog: Scope of Journalism in India After 12th
16 Jan 2026
Post by : NIMCJ
