Find Your Match
Contrary to popular belief, there is no one best college or university. The first step is to identify what YOU are looking for in choosing a college or university. Then with this information you can determine what is the best college or university FOR YOU. What do you need to consider?
Ask yourself, does it have the field of study, or major, that I am looking to pursue?
Are you thinking about a 2 year degree program leading to a certification/degree or a 4 year degree program?
What about the location of the school; are you wanting to stay close to home or move further away and if so, how many hours would you consider?
Looking for an urban, suburban or rural campus?
Are you specifically looking for a public institution (SUNY) or a private college or university? Or open to both?
How large or small of a school, is too large or too small for you?
What is the data regarding the rate of admittance or the competitiveness of the college?
Does a school's reputation matter to you?
Are you looking for certain campus facilities for an activity you want to pursue?
What athletic programs are offered?
What is the cost of attendance? The final cost may be determined with possible financial aid calculated into the total.
Now that you have a better idea of what you are looking for, you will now make a list of colleges and universities that meet your requirements. Here are steps you can take to distinguish between the many colleges and universities. Later you can narrow your list of colleges and universities into a more manageable list.
Web Sites such as Guidance Direct, School ID: 8277767, Password: QWNVMP%9zf and College Board, go to Big Future, to college search. These sites will systematically use your considerations to formulate a list of schools that match your requirements. The filters you chose will determine your list.
Visit College Fairs such as the Hilbert College Fair in September and the Buffalo College Fair in March. NACAC Virtual College Fair and SUNY Virtual College Fair is available anytime.
College Visits--One of the most important aspects of college selection. Call to make arrangements for a visit or utilize virtual tours at individual college/university web sites. Look at SUNY's.
Review SUNY's viewbook. Thumbnail sketches of all of SUNY campuses across the state are found here. All the data that you need to start your search.
Review New York's list of private and not-for-profit colleges and universities on the CICU website. Each school's profile (including SAT/ACT score ranges), location finder, enrollment numbers and programs are listed here.
Check out Open House schedules for colleges and universities. This can be found on Hamburg’s website, posters outside the Counseling Center, or on individual college websites.
Meet with college representatives that visit here at Hamburg High School. (Check the website, the calendar in Counseling Center or listen to the morning announcements).