Choosing Colleges

Choosing a college can be overwhelming, but if you break it down into a few steps, it will be a lot more manageable. Start by understanding the different types of colleges:

• Community colleges offer certificate programs, associates degree programs, and transfer programs. These programs typically range from 1-2 years. Community colleges usually do not have dorms, so they are better if you plan to live at home and commute to college.
• Public universities offer 4-5 year programs for bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, as well as nursing degrees. Public colleges in Massachusetts are divided between the state system (for example: Fitchburg State University) and the UMass system (for example: UMass Amherst). These colleges have different costs for in-state students and students coming from other states.
• Private colleges and universities also offer 4-year bachelors degree programs. These schools are not affiliated with the state, and they are typically more selective.

All types of colleges offer financial aid opportunities. FAFSA is a financial aid application requirement for every college, and some colleges (usually private colleges) also require the CSS Profile. A well-rounded college list should include both private and public schools.

Next, consider the following factors and prioritize:

• Location
• Majors
• Selectivity
• Affordability
• Size
• Housing (on campus vs. off campus)
• Sports and activities
• Diversity

After you prioritize which factors are important to you, start researching colleges and creating a list. The more you learn about each college, the more you can narrow down your list. A strong college list will include 6-10 colleges, with a few to which you are "likely" to be accepted, a few "targets", and a few "reaches." The College Board Big Future search is a great tool to help you narrow it down and assess whether or not you are likely to be admitted to each college: