Step 3: Compare Colleges
- Research and Compare Worksheets
The following worksheets can help you keep track of the colleges you are researching. They will aid you in comparing colleges and the subjects of study you are considering. Or, create your own spreadsheet using the pdf's as guidelines.
2. Create a Calendar
Create a calendar to keep track of important deadlines and dates.
3. Resources to Compare Colleges
Note: You may want to use/create an alternate email address when registering on college websites to corral the emails you may receive from these websites in one place.
College Board, Naviance, and Other On-Line Resources
General Resources
An online resource available to all BVSD students. See Step 2: Make a List for more information on using Naviance to research colleges.
This is the company that administers the SAT exam. In addition, they have a database for college information. From the home page scroll down to the Big Future option which will contain variety of parameters for searching colleges.
Use this site to help identify colleges that give a substantial number of non-need based merit scholarships, specifically to see what % of enrolled freshmen in a particular college had no financial need and received merit aid and the average $ amount of the merit-based gift (a monetary gift from the college itself, administered as a tuition discount.
In addition, COLLEGEdata also has data on Admissions, Academics, Campus Life, and Students.
This is not a website, but a standardized report that all colleges complete each year and submit to external organizations such as College Board and US News & World Report. As such, it is used in compiling college rankings and the data collected is published on various websites that students may use when researching colleges.
Data reported includes such things as SAT/ACT test scores, Regular vs. Early Decision admission statistics, Waitlist statistics, 6, 5 and 4-year graduation rates, male:female ratio, % students that live on campus, % involved in Greek life, detailed break-out of class sizes, % of graduating class by major, financial aid statistics, etc. To find a particular college's Common Data Set, google "common data set" followed by the college's name e.g. "common data set Tulane University". Hint: Common Data Set reporting is usually handled by the college's Office of Institutional Research (OIR), so that is usually the best link to click on when looking at the list of google search results. To see a blank common data set report and more of what kind of information is included, click on the link to the left. You can select to see it as a Word, Excel, Adobe Acrobat or HTML file.
Note: There are a small number of schools that choose not to openly publish their full Common Data Set.
College Rankings
NOTE: While we don't recommend choosing a school based on rank alone, we do think these lists can serve as a reference point to start becoming familiar with college names. If you are considering rank, be sure you understand the methodology used. The way things are weighted may not be the way you value the different factors.
Annual ranking of US colleges. Divided into categories of national universities, liberal arts colleges, and regional schools. Click on school name to get more detailed statistics such as most popular majors, gender distribution, 4-year graduation rate. Further subcategories include rankings of undergraduate engineering programs and business programs, rankings of public universities, and more.
Annual ranking of US colleges. Different methodology than US News & World Report, meaning a particular college may have a higher or lower rank on this list. In addition, rather than creating separate rankings for national universities, liberal arts and regional colleges, Forbes groups them all together.
Annual rankings survey with results published in August, this one has a creative and fun approach, albeit perhaps not so scientific, with categories such as happiest students, got beer/got milk, most conservative/liberal, vegetarian, Birkenstock wearing/Preppiest, etc. In their words, “See which colleges came in tops for "Great Financial Aid", “Best Campus Food," "Best Career Services," and dozens of other widely-watched categories.”
Subjective
Colleges that Change Lives (CTCL)
This website, originating from the book of the same name, highlights schools that focus on character building.
Registration required, but free
Student reviews and “grades” on predetermined topics such as academics, housing, and social life for 100’s of colleges
If you search more than 3 schools in one day on the same computer, it will prompt you to register. Registration is free. Similar to College Prowler.
Advice
Educational consultant and former college admissions officer, his free online newsletter is particularly helpful. Typically a specific issue is highlighted or he shares and answers parent questions. Sign up to receive the newsletter on the homepage.
He also travels the country to present “The Admission Game”, an interactive talk he created to enlighten students and parents as to how the admissions process works and how to prepare for and target schools that are a good fit for you. BVSD sponsors this talk for the Boulder Valley community; once scheduled, the date will be publicized on the Fairview High School Counseling & College/Career Center website. In the past it has been held on a weeknight at Monarch High School’s auditorium. Free.
Lynn O'Shaunessy's The College Solution
Nationally recognized college expert, higher-ed journalist, consultant and speaker, her College Solution Blog is full of very useful information and tools for conducting research.
As required by the Clery Act, data for both on and off-campus criminal offenses (sex-forcible, robbery, etc.), hate crimes, arrests, disciplinary actions (drug & alcohol) & fire statistics. Keep in mind some campuses “sweep things under the rug” whereas others are vigilant about reporting and taking action.
People
The college search doesn't have to begin and end with the Ivies and the name brand schools. There are many schools out there to choose from — some known and some less known, all worthy of your attention. Ultimately, you’re looking for a “home” for the next four years where you can be happy. There are many people out there who would love to help you make the right decision.
Here are some suggestions:
Start with the People Who Know You Best :
Family members and close friends – talk to your family members, particularly those that you interact with regularly. Sometimes it's hard to recognize your own strengths and skills; your family and close friends are a great sounding board when it comes to outlining your talents and tapping into your passions and often they will know others outside of your family circle that might be helpful resources.
Fairview Resources:
Your school counselors – If there ever was a time to chat with your counselor, this would be it! Even if you don’t think they know you well because you’ve spent little or no time with them, they can provide some great insight based on your record in high school. Fairview counselors are trained to help students figure out what they want to do with their lives and how to go about achieving their goals.
The staff and volunteers in the Fairview College/Career Center – There are very few people with more information about the college admissions process from start to finish than Carol Diebel, CCC Coordinator. Stop by the CCC anytime and take advantage of her insight. There are also many volunteers in the CCC that can help you find the information you’re seeking.
Recent Fairview graduates who are attending a school you’re interested in – need a name or contact info? Stop by the CCC for help.
Teachers – Chat with your favorite teachers about what you might be interested in. They’ll have thoughts on your strengths and weaknesses and where you might be most successful. They also might be able to suggest other teachers and/or staff members to speak with who attended one of the schools that you’re considering.
Other people in your life:
If you work, talk to your manager and co-workers. Tell them what you are thinking about doing or studying.
Friends - this doesn’t necessarily mean the people you hang out with on the weekends. If you have older friends and/or adults in your life that know you well, talk to them about their post-high school experiences and any advice they might have for you. If they went to college, what did they study? Looking back, are they happy with the decision? Do they know anyone who attended one of the schools you’re thinking about?
People you admire and professionals in fields that you’re interested in – If there’s someone in your community or in a field of interest to you that you admire, talk to them! Even if you have never spoken to them, find an email address or other way to contact them and ask for advice! Most people would be happy to help you and it never hurts to ask. The worst thing that could happen is that they ignore you or say “no”. If you can’t figure out how to contact them, stop by the Fairview CCC and ask for some help.
Anyone who attended one of the schools you are interested in – if you’ve been networking along the way, you may have a names and contact information of people who attended one of the schools that you’re interested in. Use it!
College Visits in the CCC – literally hundreds of colleges and universities visit the CCC each year, mainly in the fall, to present information about their respective schools. The college representative that leads the discussion is often a member of the admissions office staff and may even be the person who reads all of the applications from Fairview for that school.
People at the colleges and universities that you’re interested in
Admissions office staff – find the contact information for the admissions staff member responsible for your part of the country (contact the admissions office for this information). Most schools assign their staff by state (or even by city for higher population areas). There might even be more than one person assigned to your area depending on the college and its popularity. Use that person as your resource for any questions about the admissions process. Remember that that person also likely will see you application and probably will participate in whether or not your application moves forward in the process.
Financial Aid office staff - If you make the assumption that you cannot afford college based on the sticker price of tuition, you might miss out. It is difficult to talk about money, but if you investigate all the options and ask for help and advice, you will find affordable choices. College and university financial aid websites and office staff offer useful information and links as well. Investigate early and ask for help.
Current students and faculty in fields that appeal to you – most people love to tell you about things they are doing that they are passionate about. Don’t hesitate to ask for contact information in the school/field that you are interested in at one of the colleges you’re looking at.
Lastly – remember to say thank you to anyone who helps you along the way. Professionals and others that you correspond with via email would appreciate just a brief “thank you” email. You never know when your paths might cross again if you might need more assistance down the road.
Books
Subjective/Opinion Guides
The Princeton Review's The Best 378 Colleges
by Robert Fanek, Kristen O'Toole, David Soto, and The Staff of The Princeton Review
A guide to the nation’s 378 most academically outstanding institutions that will inform you about the unique opportunities these schools offer and what it is really like to be a student at that university. In addition to providing basic academic, student, and financial statistics, this book will tell you “what students and the school itself say” about the university, what life and student body are like, and interesting inside information on admissions.
Fiske Guide to Colleges
by Edward B. Fiske
This guide contains essays on more than 300 of the country's best colleges and universities. Each essay systematically covers specific topics from academic climate and student body composition to social scene.
Majors/Areas of Study
The College Finder (come to the CCC to use this reference book)
by Steven R. Antonoff
The primary goal of The College Finder is to expand the pool of schools that students should consider by cross referencing a variety of lists pertaining to college life. Academics, cost, location, admission, campus facilities, career opportunities, athletics, and more are all covered in this book. The College Finder provides a comprehensive approach to college hunting by itemizing many features about schools. The lists in this book give you several hundred ways that colleges are ranked and viewed by experts.
Special Learning Needs
The K&W Guide to College Programs & Services for Students with Learning Disabilities or ADHD, 11th Edition
by Marybeth Kravets and Imy Wax
Hundreds of thousands of students with learning disabilities head to college every year. This comprehensive guide makes it easy for those students and their families to tackle the daunting process of finding the school that best fits their needs. This book includes more than 350 school profiles with information on services, admissions, and policies; admissions requirements and graduation policies for learning disability programs; services available to learning-disabled students at each college, including tutors, note-takers, oral exams, and extended test time; and advice from learning disabilities specialists.
College Success for Students with Learning Disabilities: Strategies and Tips to Make the Most of Your College Experience
by Cynthia Simpson and Vicky Spencer
This handbook offers teens with learning disabilities the confidence, strategies, and guidance they need to effectively choose a college, get prepared for university life, and make the most of their collegiate experience. The book covers pertinent topics such as understanding the rights and responsibilities of students with special needs, talking to professors and peers, getting involved, asking for and receiving accommodations, and utilizing one's strengths to meet and exceed academic standards. This unique reference book also includes advice from current college students with disabilities to empower future students and provide them with hope for success.
Visiting Colleges
When it comes to researching colleges, there is nothing better than seeing your options first hand. Just setting foot on campus can often be an instantaneous confirmation of how you feel about a school, and whether or not to apply.
If you cannot physically visit a campus consider a virtual visit to get a feel for the school.
Tip #1:
No matter how brief your visit might be, always register with the admissions office to let them know you were there. The fact that you made the effort to physically visit a campus demonstrates an interest in the college. This can possibly make a difference in the eyes of admissions.
Tip #2:
Make notes about your visit during and immediately after. Include things like your general impression as well as details that might help jog your memory later.
On Campus Visit
Planned Visit
If you are able to plan a visit, check the college’s website to register for a tour. Some colleges have “visit days” when students can spend an entire day touring the campus, visiting classes, hearing about activities, visiting the dorms, and eating in the dining hall. You don’t have to wait until junior or senior year to start visiting colleges. While you may wish to visit while students are present, go when you can.
Unplanned/Brief Visit
Drive or walk around campus. Maps and brochures typically can be found at the Admissions Office and/or Student Union and most schools have free apps that include maps and other information online.
Admitted Students Day (In-person and Virtual)
If your school offers one of these events (typically in April), this is a must. Even if you've seen the campus before, this is where you can meet the students you may be spending the next four years with. Many schools also have virtual admitted student days if you can’t join in person. Once you're admitted to a school, accept the invitation to come back to campus or join the online program for admitted students.
What To Do When You Are on Campus (make this a button?)
If you have time to do more than just walk around on your visit, check out this list of other things to do. You can always contact the admissions office to get more information about any aspect of your visit.
Visit the Admissions office and let the personnel know that you were on campus.
Visit the Academic Departments of the subjects you may want to study.
Arrange to attend a class in an area of your academic interest, if possible.
If you have Special Learning Needs, visit the academic support center and ask the questions provided at this link: College Programs: Special Learning Needs.
Visit the Student Center - What sort of activities do you see? Are your interests represented?
Tour the Athletic Facilities – Is there a gym/workout facility that is available to all students?
Visit facilities of special interest — For example, the library, the bookstore, the art museum, dance studio, campus theater, or music hall.
Visit/Eat in a campus dining hall — What meal plans are available and how do they work?
Tour a dorm – Are dorms single sex or co-ed? How many students per room? How large are the rooms? Are the bathrooms co-ed? What is security like?
Pick up a recent copy of the student paper — What are the current issues that are making the headlines?
Stroll the campus and surroundings — What’s the vibe? Can you picture yourself fitting in?
Check security on campus — What is the crime rate on campus? In the community? Is there a security escort service available 24 hours a day?
Drive or walk around the community surrounding campus to get a feel for life off-campus. What kind of options are available for things like groceries, entertainment, restaurants, etc.
Make notes about your visit during and immediately after. Include things like your general impression as well as details that might help jog your memory later.
Virtual Visit
These days, you can learn a lot about colleges without leaving the comfort of your home. The best way to visit virtually is to go to the college website and look for a virtual tour or video of the campus. There are also third-party online resources that feature video tours, facts, figures, and even input from current students about what college life is really like.
Keep in mind that virtual tours may often be promotional videos created by the colleges. However, for an initial look at a school, virtual tours still do a good job of giving a feel for the campus community.
What size college is right for you?
If you are unable to travel for college visits, you can get an idea of what the size and atmosphere of a campus might be like by visiting some similar campuses right here in Colorado. You can visit Colorado College in Colorado Springs to see what a small, private, liberal arts campus of about 2,100 students is like. You can experience a medium-sized private campus by visiting the University of Denver, a campus in a residential section of a major city, with a student population of about 5,700. Or, you can check out the life on a large campus by visiting the University of Colorado in Boulder, or Colorado State University in Fort Collins, each with over 25,000 students.
College Websites
A college's website is the place to go to thoroughly learn about the school, what it offers and how to apply.
Make sure to review the following:
“About” section that tells you a college's mission, it's history, facts, maps of the campus and various other information about the place.
“Academic” section, you will find the departments or majors offered by the college, the professors and usually links to their websites, course catalog, and special programs offered at the college.
“Apply” or “Admissions” section will give you the information you need to apply to that school as well as the application deadline dates for early and regular decision.
Browse the website of each school you are interested in and look for the following:
Research to see if it has the majors and/or programs you want to study.
Make sure you understand the school's curriculum and requirements (e.g. all freshman are required to take a year-long introductory humanities class, a senior thesis is required to graduate).
In your application to a college, the admissions readers want to see your interest in their school and this is conveyed by your knowledge of the school and how it fits with your goals.