FINDING THE RIGHT COLLEGE INVOLVES:

• Self-Reflection

  • Interests/aptitudes
  • Career goals
  • Academic strengths and weaknesses
  • GPA and standardized test scores

• Weighing the options

  • Majors desired
  • States preferred
  • Size and setting preferred
  • Activities desired
  • Academic standards you can match
  • Costs your family can meet

• Refining your list

  • Plan ahead (prepare questions to ask, research “the features” of each college)
  • Arrange an interview, if possible
  • Check out classes (sit in on one or several)
  • Explore all the facilities (dorms, athletic facilities, library, research areas, etc.)
  • Stay overnight
  • Talk to students on campus
  • Check out safety issues
  • “Do” the town
  • Review available materials from colleges (websites, virtual tours, view books, etc.)
  • Visit different types of campuses.  Attend campus tour days, open houses, financial aid workshops, etc.

NEARBY CAMPUSES FOR BRIEF “TYPE” VISITS

This is a list of different "types" of campuses within a few hours from home.  Visit after school, on weekends, or during school breaks to get a feel for the campus and students.  Go with friends or family, compare notes, and relate these types to your actual choice list.  Or, maybe include some of these local schools to apply to.

WEBSITES TO HELP YOU CREATE/DEVELOP YOUR COLLEGE LIST

• Naviance (Log in, click Colleges, then College Search)
• College Board's College Search
• College Lists Wiki
• College Xpress
• Education Corner Colleges Database
• MyCollegeCorner.com