How To Begin The College Search Process

  • There are many ways for students to begin the college search process: attend college fairs, visits, virtual web campus tours, etc. But it can still be very overwhelming. Here are 3 tips to help you as you begin to search for your college. 

    1. Reflect carefully on what characteristics you would like in a college. Characteristics include, but are not limited to:

    • degree types offered
    • location
    • major/minor
    • size of school
    • price
    • selectivity
    • retention rate
    • graduation and job placement rates
    • religious affiliations
    • athletics
    • internship/co-op opportunities

    Remember that it is best to keep an open mind. 

    2. Perform a web-based college search. There are many other websites that can be valuable resurces in the college search process, including, but not limited to: 

    • www.collegeboard.org
    • www.petersons.com
    • www.collegeconfidential.com

    3. Have a diverse list of schools. We generally advise you have "reach", "target" and "safety" colleges in your final list. This gives you a high liklihood that you will be accepted to one or more colleges and would be happy to attend any of them. 

    • Reach Schools: schools in which the average GPA and standardized test score range are slightly higher than the scores you have earned.
    • Target Schools: schools in which you fall into the average GPA and test score range.
    • Safety Schools: schools in which you have a stronger GPA and testing score range than their average accepted student.