College Search
Turn Your Priorities Into a College List
Once you know what you're looking for in a college, it's time to start searching.
A college search isn't about finding one perfect school immediately. Start broad, explore your options, and gradually narrow your list as you learn more about programs, costs, campuses, and opportunities.
Know What You're Looking For
Before searching, identify your priorities.
Consider:
- Major or academic program
- Career preparation
- Type of college
- Location and distance from home
- Campus size
- Admission requirements
- Cost and financial aid
- Housing
- Activities and campus life
- Student support
- Internship and career opportunities
Separate your priorities into must-haves and preferences.
If a college doesn't offer the program you need, for example, that may eliminate it from consideration. Campus size, on the other hand, might be something you're willing to reconsider after visiting.
Explore What to Consider in a College →
Start Broad
Use college search tools to find institutions that meet your basic criteria.
You can also discover colleges through:
- Your school counselor
- College fairs
- Admission representatives visiting your school
- Career and college planning events
- Teachers, family members, and other trusted adults
- Colleges you encounter while researching majors and careers
Be willing to investigate schools you haven't heard of before. Familiarity doesn't necessarily mean fit.
Research the College
Once a school interests you, go beyond its homepage.
Explore information about:
- Majors and academic programs
- Courses and degree requirements
- Admission requirements
- Graduation and retention information
- Internship and experiential learning opportunities
- Career services and outcomes
- Cost of attendance
- Scholarships and financial aid
- Housing and dining
- Student organizations and activities
- Academic and student support services
- Campus safety
- Transfer policies, when relevant
Use information directly from the college whenever possible and make sure you're looking at current requirements and costs.
Research the Program, Too
Finding the right college isn't enough if the program doesn't meet your needs.
Look closely at the department or academic program you're considering.
Ask:
- What courses are required?
- Are there additional admission requirements?
- Are internships, clinical experiences, research, or other hands-on opportunities built into the program?
- Are specific facilities or equipment available?
- Are professional licenses or certifications connected to the program?
- What are graduates prepared to do next?
Explore Choosing a Program or Major →
Keep Track of What You Learn
After researching several colleges, it's easy to forget which school offered what.
Create a system for keeping track of:
- Programs
- Admission requirements
- Costs
- Financial aid
- Application deadlines
- Campus visits
- Questions
- Likes and concerns
- Important contacts
Use a spreadsheet, notebook, folder, app, or college-planning checklist—whatever system you'll actually maintain.
Narrow Your List
As you learn more, begin narrowing your options.
Ask:
- Does this school still meet my academic and career needs?
- Is it financially realistic?
- Does the environment fit what I'm looking for?
- Are there concerns I need to investigate?
- Do I want to visit or learn more?
- Can I realistically see myself attending?
Your list doesn't need to be based on prestige or what someone else thinks you should choose. It should reflect the options that make sense for your goals and circumstances.
Take the Next Step
Once you've identified colleges you're seriously considering:
