Tips on starting the college search process

I'd love some advice on how to begin looking at colleges. There are so many options, and it feels overwhelming. How do I narrow down my list and decide where to apply?

Navigating the possibilities when it comes to college can indeed feel overwhelming. But don't worry, with a systematic approach, you can efficiently sort through your options.

Start by reflecting on your interests and goals. Think about what you want to study (if you have an idea already), what size of school you're looking for, what type of location (urban, suburban, rural), and your ideal campus culture. Each of these factors should be considered when starting to assemble your list.

Given these preferences, you'll want to research schools that align with them. For instance, if you're interested in engineering, you might look at schools with renowned engineering programs. If being in a small, tight-knit community is important to you, focusing on smaller liberal arts colleges could be advantageous.

Financial feasibility is another key factor to consider. Use the net price calculators on each school's website to estimate the cost of attendance and determine if it's financially viable for you and your family.

As you continue your research, identify and prioritize your "non-negotiables". Perhaps you're adamant about being within a certain distance from home or attending a school in an area with a specific climate. This might further shorten your list.

It can be helpful to categorize schools into "safety", "match", and "reach" categories. Safety schools are colleges where your academic credentials exceed the school's range for the average freshman. Match schools are colleges where your academic credentials fall well within (or even exceed) the school's range for the average freshman. Reach schools are colleges where your academic credentials are below the school's range for the average freshman.

Try not to get too caught up in rankings. They can provide a general idea of a school's reputation and prestige, but they don't reflect whether a school is a good personal fit for you. Personal fit is much more important, as it will likely have a larger impact on how happy and successful you are in college.

Finally, visit campuses whenever possible, either in person or virtually. This can give you a feel for the campus environment and help you further gauge your interest in the school.

Remember, researching colleges is an ongoing process. As you learn more about the schools and possibly about your preferences and goals, your college list can and should evolve.