Beginning The College Search Process
There are many ways for students to begin the college search process: attend college fairs, visits, virtual web campus tours, etc. But it can still be very overwhelming. Here are 3 tips to help you as you begin to search for your college.
1. Reflect carefully on what characteristics you would like in a college. Characteristics include, but are not limited to:
- degree types offered
- location
- major/minor
- size of school
- price
- selectivity
- retention rate
- graduation and job placement rates
- religious affiliations
- athletics
- internship/co-op opportunities
Remember that it is best to keep an open mind.
2. Perform a web-based college search. There are many other websites that can be valuable resurces in the college search process, including, but not limited to:
- www.collegeboard.org
- www.petersons.com
- www.collegeconfidential.com
3. Have a diverse list of schools. We generally advise you have "reach", "target" and "safety" colleges in your final list. This gives you a high liklihood that you will be accepted to one or more colleges and would be happy to attend any of them.
- Reach Schools: schools in which the average GPA and standardized test score range are slightly higher than the scores you have earned.
- Target Schools: schools in which you fall into the average GPA and test score range.
- Safety Schools: schools in which you have a stronger GPA and testing score range than their average accepted student.