Tips for researching colleges?

Hello! Junior here starting to look into colleges. I was wondering if anyone could share their process for researching colleges. What websites/resources did you use? How did you narrow down your list? Appreciate any tips!

Hello! College research can seem overwhelming at first, but with the right approach, you can make it manageable. Here are some steps to help you through the process:

1. Self-reflection: Before diving into college research, think about your preferences, interests, and goals. What kind of campus culture, location, size, academic programs, and extracurricular opportunities are you looking for? Make a list of criteria that matter to you.

2. College search engines: Websites like College Board's Big Future, CollegeVine, and U.S. News College Rankings are great places to start. Plug in your preferences and explore the list of colleges that fit your criteria. These sites often offer details about tuition, campus life, and academic programs.

3. College websites: Once you have a preliminary list, visit the websites of each college to get more in-depth information. Pay attention to the programs offered, faculty, research opportunities, facilities, and extracurricular opportunities. Don't forget to look at graduation rates, class sizes, and internship/co-op programs.

4. Virtual tours and information sessions: If possible, take virtual tours and attend online information sessions hosted by the colleges you're interested in. These can provide valuable insights into campus life, dorms, facilities, and even give you an opportunity to ask questions about the admissions process.

5. Connect with current students/alumni: Reach out to current students or alumni to get firsthand perspectives on their experiences. Social media platforms, like LinkedIn or Facebook, could facilitate connecting with individuals from the colleges on your list.

6. Financial aid information: Research each college's financial aid policies by visiting their websites and using their net price calculators. Keep in mind the differences between need-based and merit-based aid, as well as scholarship opportunities.

To narrow down your list, rank each college based on your pre-established criteria and preferences. Revisit your list after doing some research to determine whether the schools still align with your priorities. As your preferences shift, you may remove some and add others to your list.

Remember that creating a balanced list is important, so include a mix of reach, target, and safety schools. Ideally, you want to apply to schools where you'd be happy attending and are sure you have a good chance of being accepted.

Happy college hunting!