The College Search Process

The college search process varies slightly depending on whether you are a high school student entering college right after graduation, or if you are a non-traditional student returning to college several years after finishing high school, obtaining your GED, or having already been to college.

For Traditional Students Entering College Out of High School

You should start your college search sometime in your sophomore or junior year, so you can be prepared when it comes time to apply during your senior year. Completing steps one and two can help you narrow down your choices before you choose which colleges to visit in step three. It is important to have a couple of back up colleges ready in the event that you are not accepted to your first choice school.

For Non-Traditional Students

You should start your college search as soon as you commit to the decision to return to school, whether you are getting your first degree, getting another degree, or returning to finish a degree program. Use steps one and two to help narrow down your choices before visiting campuses in step three. You should have extras on your list in the event you cannot attend your first choice college.

Step One: Learn Admissions Requirements

Every college has its own way of handling admissions. Visiting the college website, or speaking with someone in the admissions department can help you determine:

• Application process and fees
• Financial aid deadlines
• SAT or ACT testing requirements
• GPA requirements
• How admission is determined
• Guidelines for review and acceptance of transfer credit

Step Two: Research College Statistics

It is important to take time to learn more about each college so you can narrow down your choices. Visiting the college website or speaking with an admissions officer can help get your questions answered. Here are a few things you may want to ask:

• What is the tuition for this institution? This helps to determine if you can afford to attend this school.
• What portion of your students receives financial aid? What is the average package offering? This can help you determine whether or not you may be able to afford to attend the institution.
• Are their scholarships available? How do students apply for them? This can help you determine if additional financial support is available to make it possible for you to attend the institution.
• What’s the average student age? This can help you determine if the majority of students are in your age group or not. This is particularly helpful for students who are older and want to have peers their own age.
• What is the student to faculty ratio? This helps you see if there are plenty of teachers to handle your courses, or if your classes will be packed.
• What is the average class size? This is good to know if you are concerned about class sizes being so small everyone knows who you are, or so large you get lost in the crowd.
• What extracurricular activities are available?  If you play sports or are interested in other activities such as drama or art, knowing if these are available at the college can help you narrow down your choices.
• Do most students live on or off campus? This can help you make a decision about your living arrangements while in school.

Step Three: Visit Campuses

Deciding to go to a particular school without seeing the campus is not a wise decision. You are making an investment in your future, and you will spend a lot of time at the school over the next four years. Visiting it beforehand will help you decide whether or not you can live with it until you graduate.

• Speak to the admissions office to schedule a visit to the campus. If you want to sit in on a class or meet with an instructor, let them know now.
• Participate in a student-led tour of the campus.
• Make a list of questions to ask students, admissions officers, teachers, etc.
• Bring a camera, and a notebook. Take pictures and notes about the experience so you can compare each campus.

Using your own metric for what is important to you in a college, you can narrow down your list of 10 or more colleges down to the one you want to go to, and a couple of others you would like to go to if you cannot go to your first choice.