In conducting the college search, it is important to make sure a college list is well balanced with reach, 50/50 and likely colleges that fit the student’s profile academically and socially. Thorough research is necessary to be sure students are applying to the right colleges for them. The research will also come in handy when completing applications and when answering essay questions that ask why an applicant wants to attend that college.

Here are some helpful tips from the team of college experts at College Connections that should help in your search.

Examine Campus Life

Prepare Questions About:

• Housing (on campus/off campus)
• Food plans/dining options
• The recreation center
• Clubs/organizations
• Dorm setup and roommate assignment
• Degree of community involvement
• Greek Life
• Campus security

Explore Academic Programs

If the students’ intended major is known, research the faculty and course offerings in the department of interest.

• Learn who does the teaching and grading
• Visit the department’s web page
• Learn about any requirements or prerequisites

Things to know…

• What, if any, are the core requirements?
• Is the student assigned an advisor?
• Can the student assist in designing an independent major?
• Are there internship opportunities?
• What is the average class size?

If the student enters as undeclared regarding a major, review requirements for the Bachelor’s Degree and core requirements.

Review College Statistics

Admission rates can provide information but will not necessarily be a factor in deciding whether a student should apply to that college.

Numbers to consider include:

• A college’s retention rate
• The makeup and diversity of the student body
• The number of males vs. females
• How residential that college is (the number of students who live on and off campus)
• The percentage of students that obtain internships and go on to graduate school.

Other Factors to Consider As Students Conduct College Research:

Size, location, climate, distance from home, and affordability.

Students should scrutinize information. Colleges want to impress their readers and visitors, they encourage students to apply. Validate information found by checking additional sources.

If possible visit the colleges, because that is the best way to know whether that school would be a good fit. Know too, that if students can’t visit, they can still apply.  If accepted, students have many weeks to plan a visit before they make their final decision.

When research is completed, create a college list (approximately a dozen colleges).  The information collected will help when filling out applications, writing essays, and when interviewed. The more students learn about colleges, the better they will be able to make an informed choice.

College Connections counselors work closely with students, assisting with college research, making sure students apply to their best-matched colleges.

AUTHOR OVERVIEW

Jeannie Borin President at College Connections, a College Counseling Fiirm

Jeannie Borin M.Ed. is Founder and President of the independent college counseling firm College Connections. Jeannie stays on the forefront of current and innovative trends in college admissions and education. For more information, contact College Connections: http://www.college-connections.com/ Email: info@college-connections.com; Call Toll Free: 866.348.3393

Tags: college choice, college search