Hey everyone, I'm a junior and I was wondering if any of you could provide some advice on how to research universities more effectively? What are some key aspects to consider when trying to find the right fit and to make informed decisions? Thank you in advance!
Hey there, it's great that you're starting your college research early! When my child was in the same boat, we found it helpful to begin with creating a list of factors that were important to them. Some key aspects to consider could be location, size, majors offered, campus culture, clubs, and extracurriculars, financial aid, and the overall atmosphere of the school.
Once you've identified what matters most to you, try searching through college ranking sites like CollegeVine, U.S. News & World Report, and The Princeton Review. They provide comprehensive overviews of many universities and give you a good starting point to make a list of potential schools.
Afterward, explore the official websites of the universities that made your list. Look for more detailed information regarding programs and classes specific to your interests. Most schools have virtual tours and events these days, which can give you a good sense of the campus environment.
Finally, when it's safe to do so, try visiting the campus of some of the schools you're most interested in. Talk to current students or attend info-sessions with professors to have a clearer picture of your future experience there. Good luck with your research!
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