Things To Consider

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There's a lot to think about when it comes to picking which program to apply to, and which to commit to. None of the things mentioned below are necessarily more important than the other- it's your job to create a priority list catered to what you want to get out of the year. For example, if you are looking for a place where you could learn about the foundational principles of Jewish beliefs, going to a program in Bnei Brak would probably not be the best fit for you. Here's a list of things to think about:

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1. Location- Location means a lot. It will dictate how early and late you can leave to catch a bus, especially if the only way back to your Seminary is through the Tachana Mirkazit (central bus station). If you want to go to Ben Yehuda on a Saturday night, but have to go from and to Gush, it's a lot of trips and you'll have to make it before the last bus. The Old City is incredibly special, but is more expensive if you wanted to buy any groceries and it rains a lot in the winter. Every place has a pro and con.

2. What the girls are like- Maybe you want a place where the girls are sporty, nerdy, super religious, kinda weird but everyone else there is weird too so it works out- these are important things to look into.

3. Programming- basically every program does tiyulim (trips) and Jewish programming, but every place will (hopefully) have at least one thing that differentiates itself from the other programs. Just imagine if there was a place that certified its students in shechita (Kosher animal slaughter)- that'd be crazy. So look to see if there is a quality that makes a place significantly more special than the others.

4. Where your friends go- we disagree with the notion that you can't go to the same place where some of your friends go. Your friends are awesome, and will only elevate the experience. Of course, don't close yourself off to the other girls in the program. You may have many good friends who end up going to the same place as you, but you'll still have great friends that you will meet at your program. We do, however, discourage deciding on a place because your friends are going there. You'll forever regret it if you do. 

5. Apply to a minimum of 2 places- Don't set yourself up to be in a stressful situation- always have a backup to your backup.

6. Where people go afterward- A lot of people switch to YU or commit to the IDF during Israel. Some people switch from a secular university to a religious one. In case you decide to transfer universities, it is a good idea to have people in your program who are going to both secular and religious schools.