How to create criteria, research colleges, and form a list.
Choosing the right college can be overwhelming. With over 4,500 colleges and universities to choose from in the United States alone, how should you even begin this quest for finding the right college for you?
Here is an overview of the process:
- Think of your preferences and interests.
- Identify qualities you want in a college and create a list of criteria.
- Research and create a preliminary list based on these criteria.
- Categorize each college based on Reach, Maybe, and Likely.
- Visit schools virtually or in person to narrow down the list.
- Apply! You got this!
Think of your criteria.
- Campus Ethos: What is the overall vibe of your dream college? Liberal or conservative? Politically active or less engaged? Is there a special focus such as religious affiliation, arts college, same sex school?
- Campus Culture: What does the student body choose to participate in outside of the classroom? Is there Greek life? Are there sports? How do students engage socially?
- Environment: Where do you see yourself? Are you close or far from home? Near a major urban center or out in the country? Is it sunny all year round or snowy in the winter?
- Academics: Are you interested in pursuing a specific program? Do you like to participate in class, or sit back and listen while taking notes? Are you a competitive student, or do you prefer to balance work and play? Do you study best in the library or outside under a tree?
The only person who can answer these questions is YOU. Not Mom or Dad, or Grandma or Grandpa, or Cousin Lou. This is your quest and it begins with you thinking about how you are as a human and what you expect to get out of college.
To help you build your college criteria list, I use Steven Antonoff’s book and website to start discovering criteria to consider. Thinking of location, size, campus feel, proximity to home, majors, selectivity, and outside opportunities are all important in considering a school.
Once you develop a list of criteria that are important to you, begin using college search engines to find schools that meet these criteria. Do your research because search engines are, of course, not 100% accurate. Try Niche, Big Future, Cappex, and College Data to begin exploring schools that meet your criteria. Unigo is another great resource to look into, with honest student reviews as well (to be taken with a grain of salt). After you find lists of schools, begin researching each school. Check out their website and social media page. Look into professors and different opportunities like internships or study abroad. Begin writing down schools that you would be happy to attend, and it is okay if it is a lot, but try to keep it under 30.
Now that you have this list, it is time to categorize each school based on selectivity. Looking at your course selection, GPA, standardized test scores, and extra curriculars, decide which schools will be a reach (25% chance or less of getting into), moderate (50-75% chance of getting into), or safety (80% chance or greater of being admitted). This is where a guidance counselor or education consultant can come in handy. Your college list should have some schools in each category, all of which you would fit into socially and academically.
Next up, it is time to narrow the list down to 10 schools if you can. The best way to do this is by visiting and going on a campus tour. Always remember that schools are trying to market towards you, even on tours. If you can, strike up a conversation with a student that you see working in the library or at the athletic center or even the cafeteria. Asking questions and getting a feel for who attends can help you decide if this is a good fit for you. Ask yourself questions too, like Can I see myself here? Be honest with yourself because this is YOUR experience.
After visiting colleges in person or virtually, it is time to apply. Generally, starting the Common App the summer of your senior year and starting your college essay is a great way to not be stressed or overworked your final year of high school. Remember to stay on top of applications and to ask for help when you need it. You got this!