As you begin your college search, you may find it difficult to determine which schools will best suit you. Many students start by looking at school rankings, but we advise you to look beyond the rankings to the many (important!) factors that determine whether a college is a good fit for you. When you’re just getting started, cast a wide net. Later in the process, you’ll reduce your list of good-fit schools to between 8-12 best-fit options.
Rank Your Priorities
Create a list of what’s important to you and rank it from most important to least important. Then compare that list with your parent’s list of priorities. Need help getting started? Here are some factors to rank:
- Tuition / Affordability – To look past sticker price and get early, individualized estimates of financial aid, students can use a Net Price Calculator. Many colleges also offer aid in the form of scholarships. Speak to the admissions department to ask about their scholarship opportunities.
- People: Social Scene / Greek Life / Demographics – What percentage of the student body at a school make up the demographic(s) you’re interested in or concerned with? Consider factors of import to you (if any), like male-to-female ratios; the percentage of students in the Greek system; the numbers of LGBTQ+-identifiers; what portion of students identify as a certain race or religion or as having a certain political affiliation, etc. What do the people you hope to befriend do as social activities? Are there ways you’ll feel comfortable connecting with others on campus?
- Sports – Are college sports important to you? Do you want to be a part of a roaring crowd of thousands at a football game? Is there a specific sport you’re excited to see or have access to that is less common? Are you hoping to play at the collegiate or club level?
- Academics: Rigor / Curriculum / Courses – Although you may not have committed to a specific major, the college you attend should offer majors you’re considering. Is one school better known for your major? Do you seek strong academic rigor, or a more collaborative and relaxed ideology in education? Does the school’s emphasis on studies reflect your level of dedication and drive? Do you prefer hands-on learning or lectures, and is your preference available? Are there research opportunities available to undergraduate students (if you’re interested)?
- Location: Weather / Environment – Bustling city, or a rural location surrounded by trees and mountains? Do you dislike cold weather, or want to be where the seasons change? Do you like to be near the ocean?
- Location: Proximity to Home / Availability of Transportation – Is a school within driving-distance of home? How close is the school to a major airport or other key transport centers? If you need to fly to/from home, are there direct-flight options? (Tip: be sure to discuss this one with your parents!)
- Size: Student Body / Campus / Classes – Do you prefer to hang in the back of a class and take notes, or are you the type of student that wants to be in a lively small-group discussion? (Typically, the larger the school the larger the classes. Small classes do exist at large universities, but a typical first-year lecture hall at a large school can hold 150-300 students. ) Are you ok walking long distances across a big campus, or prefer something more compact? Do you want a close-knit community, or love a big crowd?
- Housing – Traditional dormitory rooms are no longer the only option! From never sleeping in a dorm to living four years on campus, from single rooms to themed floors and (far) beyond, there is lots about the type of housing available at each college that you’ll want to consider.
- Extracurriculars – Heading to college doesn’t mean you have to stop doing what you love. If you enjoy playing a sport, for example, look into intramural options at large schools or consider smaller colleges with club teams so you don’t have to hang up your cleats. In contrast, consider what you might want to try or participate in that’s new to you, and be certain a college provides those opportunities.
- Post-graduation opportunities – How do graduates fair after graduation? Does a school have a special connection with a certain company or industry powerhouse that you might take advantage of? How do students rank the alumni and career services? Will you have opportunities after graduation at the school itself to continue learning or to work?
- Support Services Available – Does the school provide ample mental, physical, and learning support to adequately meet your needs?
Narrowing Down the List
Now that you’ve come up with a long list of possibilities, it’s time to be more selective. You have found colleges that meet your basic criteria (good-fit schools): now you’ll narrow down the list to schools that are the best fit. Your aim is to choose a college that not only “feels right” but will help you grow and accomplish your goals, without leaving you with heavy student debt.
College Visits and Fairs
Once you have your list together, schedule some college tours. Book your appointment in advance, as tours can fill up quickly, especially at peak visiting times (hello, spring break!). Most schools will have a walking tour and an information session; it’s a good idea to attend both. Come prepared with questions for the admissions officer and your tour guide, and take good notes. Any little things of interest should be jotted down as you hear them: they’ll prove to be very helpful if you apply to that college and need to write a, “Why are you interested in our college?” essay. Take pictures, too, to help you keep details straight… Once you’ve toured a few colleges, the specifics can blur together.
If your school or community hosts college fairs, go. Research the schools ahead of time, and be ready with thoughtful questions (i.e. those that can’t be answered with a quick google search or by reviewing the college’s website!). If you’re interested in a college, give them your name and email address so they can be in touch with you and offer more specific information or guidance.
Balance Your Choices
Once you’ve come up with a list of potential schools, talk with your counselor about dividing up your schools into four buckets that reflect your chances at admission:
Likely Match Reach Unlikely
Balance your list with 3-4 each of the likely, match, and reach schools, and just 1 or 2 unlikely schools.
Applying Early
Consider applying early decision or early action to your top choice college(s) to increase your odds of gaining acceptance. You’ll know by mid-December if you aren’t accepted to these schools, allowing you to send additional applications out in January.
Talk to Alumni
As you finalize your school list, ask your advisor if they know of any alum from the colleges you are applying to. They may be able to connect you with an alum who you could interview by phone or in-person to learn more about the college.