Research
There are thousands of colleges out there, but by no means are they all right for you. Researching schools can help you get an idea of what schools you will thrive academically, socially, personally, and financially. This part of the process can help you narrow down your options and start building a list of schools you would like to apply to!
What should you look for?
Everyone’s preferences and priorities are different, but here are a few factors to consider:
Location
-
City or rural?
-
Close to home or far away?
-
Weather
Size
-
Small (<5,000), medium (5,000-15,000), or large (15,000+)
-
Class size
Academics
-
Do they offer your intended major?
-
Special programs (honors, study abroad, pre-tracks)
Cost
-
Can you afford it with/without aid?
-
What need-based or merit scholarships do they offer?
Tools
-
College Vine: good for estimating your chances on admission, and building a balanced college list (reach, target, likely)
Campus visit
-
Schedule official campus tours
-
Visit classrooms, dining halls, and dorms
-
Talk to current students​