COLLEGE SEARCHES
Where do I start?
The most important part of the college application process is determining which colleges will make a great fit for the student.
Identify the characteristics that are important to you:
- What kind of a town or city would you want to live and study in? A large urban area or a smaller suburb or rural campus?
- How many students do you want to go to school with? A large university or a small school?
- Do you want to play sports in college? What level could you play at?
- What kind of climate would you like to live in? Are you sick of the rain? Or will sunny weather be too distracting?
- How far do you want to be from home?
- What majors are you interested in? If you're not sure, what are your interests? Which schools might give you multiple options?
- How much are you willing to pay for college? What do you feel is reasonable?
Look for colleges that match the characteristics that are important. Compile a list of potential schools.
- Click here to get more information about Career Information System
- Click here to begin College Board's "College Matchmaker" program
Get more information
- Familiarize yourself with the program, college, or university's website. Most have specific pages for new students that included links to admission, financial aid, degree options, and campus life information.
- Request more information from the admission's office of the college or university.
- Call the admissions office of the school and ask to set up a tour. An overnight visit can be very valuable, if they are offered.
- Attend a college representative visit, if one is available. Click here to sign up!
Plan to apply to at least five schools
#1 - a school that is affordable and less competitive (you exceed the admission standards)
#5 - a school that is expensive and more competitive
#2 - #4 - schools that are in the middle of #1 and #5
- Know your transcript
- Know the school's application requirements
- Be realistic.
The most important part of the college application process is determining which colleges will make a great fit for the student.
Identify the characteristics that are important to you:
- What kind of a town or city would you want to live and study in? A large urban area or a smaller suburb or rural campus?
- How many students do you want to go to school with? A large university or a small school?
- Do you want to play sports in college? What level could you play at?
- What kind of climate would you like to live in? Are you sick of the rain? Or will sunny weather be too distracting?
- How far do you want to be from home?
- What majors are you interested in? If you're not sure, what are your interests? Which schools might give you multiple options?
- How much are you willing to pay for college? What do you feel is reasonable?
Look for colleges that match the characteristics that are important. Compile a list of potential schools.
- Click here to get more information about Career Information System
- Click here to begin College Board's "College Matchmaker" program
Get more information
- Familiarize yourself with the program, college, or university's website. Most have specific pages for new students that included links to admission, financial aid, degree options, and campus life information.
- Request more information from the admission's office of the college or university.
- Call the admissions office of the school and ask to set up a tour. An overnight visit can be very valuable, if they are offered.
- Attend a college representative visit, if one is available. Click here to sign up!
Plan to apply to at least five schools
#1 - a school that is affordable and less competitive (you exceed the admission standards)
#5 - a school that is expensive and more competitive
#2 - #4 - schools that are in the middle of #1 and #5
- Know your transcript
- Know the school's application requirements
- Be realistic.