It’s your junior year of high school, and you’ve probably been told to start looking at colleges. But what does that mean? It’s an overwhelming task with very little guidance on where to start.
In the US, the choices are enormous. There are more than 4,000 colleges and universities, ranging from public and private institutions, 2-year community colleges, and 4-year state universities. These include small private liberal arts colleges, large public state schools, and world-renowned universities. The choices are endless unless you have a clear idea of your academic strengths as well as the type of learning environment you want to be a part of. Therefore, it’s not as simple as saying, “I want to attend an Ivy League school, because they are all very different from one another. To do an effective college search, below are guidelines to help steer you in the right direction.
Self-Assessment
Start by evaluating your academic performance and interests.
- How have you done in your classes?
- What was your performance on standardized tests?
- What demonstrated talents and notable achievements do you have outside the classroom?
- What stokes your intellectual fire?
- What’s your desired major?
Answering these thoughtfully reflective questions will help you identify schools that align with your strengths and aspirations.
Location and Size
Think about the environment you will thrive in.
- Do you prefer the East or West Coast? A warm or cold climate?
- Would you prefer a bustling city or a quieter suburban area?
- How far from home are you willing to go? Are you open to attending an out-of-state school, or would you prefer to stay closer to home?
- Consider the size of the school. Do you want a large university with a wide range of academic programs, research opportunities, and big lecture halls, or a smaller school with a tight-knit community and more personalized faculty relationships?
Numerical Fit
Numerical fit refers to how your academic profile aligns with a school’s typical admitted-student profile. Utilizing resources like U.S. News & World Report, College Navigator, and College Data can help you determine where you stand in relation to different schools.
- While some platforms provide statistical data, others allow you to input your GPA and SAT scores to assess how your stats compare to a typical school’s admitted student range.
- Identifying this information will provide a sense of competitiveness, helping you categorize schools as target (where your stats match the typical admitted student), reach (where your stats are below the average admitted student), and safety (where your stats are above the admitted student range).
Remember, there is more to a competitive applicant than the numbers!
Holistic Fit
Many selective and highly selective colleges and universities evaluate students using a holistic approach, considering students beyond GPA and test scores.
- Do you have significant talents, notable recognition, or unique experiences?
- Have you faced significant challenges that have shaped you?
- What makes you stand out as an applicant?
The strongest applicants balance numerical fit with holistic fit, ensuring that your academic qualifications are competitive while also demonstrating what makes you a unique applicant.
Research
Spending time on college websites is key.
- Explore student life to learn about campus events, activities, and clubs.
- Look into academic opportunities such as study abroad, internships, and research programs.
- Read student and alumni testimonials to learn more about their experiences and gain insights into the school’s culture.
- Research specific majors and departmental offerings to see what sets each school apart.
- Take notes on what you like or dislike about each school.
The research you do now will be invaluable when writing supplemental essays.
Campus Visits
Once you have a solid list of 8-10 schools based on the above considerations, register for official campus tours on each school’s admissions website.
- Visiting schools while classes are in session is ideal, as it allows you to experience the school’s atmosphere firsthand.
- Ask questions during tours to gauge whether you can see yourself at the school.
After each school visit, jot down what you liked and didn’t like. This will help you in the long-run, comparing schools later and making a well-informed decision when the time comes.
Final Thoughts
Following these guidelines will help streamline your college search and lead to a well-balanced list of schools where you can envision your next four years. Taking the time to self-assess and research schools will ultimately make your college decision more informed and less stressful. If you’d like professional help with your school list – or any other part of the Admissions process, contact Solomon Admissions Consulting!
Former Admissions Reader at Duke University,
Former Undergraduate Advising Coordinator at George Mason University,
4 years in Duke University Admissions
2 years in George Mason University Admissions
1,000+ Applications Read and Evaluated
Kelly earned a Masters of Education at George Mason University where she also engaged in student advising support. Kelly joined the undergraduate admissions team at Duke University where she reviewed and evaluated hundreds of applications per year and provided admit recommendations for committee review.
