So Many Colleges, So Many Choices!
by Jennifer L.
While last week’s post discussed the basics you should consider for your college list, how do you actually go about researching and building it in detail? With over 5,000 degree-granting universities in the United States, how do you decide which one is the right fit for you?
Step 1: Reflection
The college search process starts with you understanding yourself and your college goals. Once you have an idea of your needs, you can begin finding colleges that meet these goals. Be sure to keep open-minded as you research!
Step 2: Understanding Your Preferences?
Factors to consider:
Academics – Degree and major offerings, required courses for specific majors, electives within a major, general education requirements, type of classroom experience, internship and research opportunities, as well as study abroad programs.
College “Vibe” – Consider the campus community. It is important to gain an understanding of a college’s social experience. College is not just about your academics. It is also a time to gain life-long friends, as well as have new experiences and adventures. Research housing and dining options, and types of extracurricular opportunities, such as campus clubs, music, athletics, and community involvement.
The Basics – Once you have an idea of your ideal college learning and living environment, research the school size, location, campus diversity, retention rates, as well as support services, such as academic and career counseling that are available to you.
Keep yourself organized! Create a spreadsheet to compile your preference notes on each school you research. You will be referring to your notes often as you build your preliminary and final college list.
Step 3: Research
To begin gathering specific college information, utilize online search engines. We suggest the following search engines to help you narrow down your list of favorite schools.
Niche
College Board’s Big Future
College Data
Unigo
Peterson’s College Search Tool
After gaining information from your online search to build a preliminary list, advance your research by utilizing other resources such as reading college counseling blogs, contacting college admissions officials, talking to recent graduates of an institution, visiting a college’s social media accounts, and, if possible, visit campuses and attend admissions events. If you can’t visit in-person, be sure to take a virtual tour.
Step 4: Build Your College List
Taking into account your college preferences, research and application competitiveness, begin building a college list that is balanced with Reach, Target, and Likely schools.
Finding the right fit college for you requires a good understanding of how you want to spend the next four years after high school. IvyBoost counselors can help you reflect and gain an understanding of these priorities.
We can help you navigate the volume of information that is available to you and make your college research time efficient and productive. Your dream college may be a college that you may have never heard of!
Let’s start the journey together! Sign-up for a free consultation with an IvyBoost counselor today.
