College Search Tips
Searching for the right college can be overwhelming, but taking the various factors that come with choosing a school into consideration can be a beneficial first step!
Influential Factors to Consider
All students who are considering attending college are influenced by a wide range of factors. Some include:
Academic Majors Available
- If you are already decided on what you are going to study, great! Make sure that the schools you are applying to offer this track or program.
- If you are not sure what you want to study, that is okay! Ensure that the colleges you apply to provide various minor and major options to avoid having to transfer in the future.
Costs & Fees
- College is expensive, but it is important to understand that oftentimes the sticker price is not what you pay!
- Great opportunities such as scholarships and financial aid are available to help diminish some of the costly tuition.
Class Size
- There is a vast difference in learning within a class size of 30 compared to a class filled with hundreds of students.
- Reflect on what type of learning environment you thrive in, and take that into consideration when choosing a small or large school.
Location
- Are you prepared to live away from home? Do you want to live in a dorm with a roommate? Do you want to stay at home and commute to college?
- These are all important questions to be asking yourself when choosing where to go to college!
- Visiting colleges or doing virtual tours can help get a sense of the schools environment, which is crucial component when choosing a college.
Athletics, Clubs, & Other Extracurricular Activities
- If you are heavily interested in getting involved within your school, researching the activities that each school offers can help you to narrow down your options.
- College is a time to explore new passions, and choosing a school that aligns with your character is crucial.
MyMajors allows you to search for majors by category based on your interest. Click the image above to view the site.
CollegeBoard has a site specifically designed for finding the right college for you. Click the image above to be redirected to their college search site.
Click the image above to be redirected to the YouVisit site, a tool where students can take virtual tours of various college campuses.