Finding Schools

Deciding where to apply can be one of the most intimidating elements of the college application process. There are thousands of colleges in the US, each with unique environments and opportunities. Here are a few factors to consider as you decide which to apply:

• Location

  • You will be living at or near your college for at least a couple of years. How far from home are you planning to live (consider factors like housing costs and being physically farther away from your family)? Do you have strong preferences for certain weather conditions? Would you prefer to be in an urban or rural setting? Do the state's values align with yours? 

• Finances

  • Some schools cover all demonstrated financial need. This means that your tuition costs could be significantly lower than the cost you see online, based on your FAFSA documentation.

  • Many schools offer academic scholarships to students they want in their communities. This is especially true of (but not limited to) universities with higher acceptance rates. As you peruse lists of colleges, check what merit-based scholarships they offer, whether they have earlier application deadlines for those opportunities, and whether you need to submit any extra materials to qualify for them.

• Community

  • How large a school are you hoping to attend? What clubs do these schools offer? Are there work-study programs there that interest you? Do you want a college with a lot of school spirit and a big emphasis on sports? What is the school culture like (competitive vs collaborative, rigorous vs "party-school")?

• Programs

  • Does this school offer a degree in the major you are interested in? You could consider looking at its rankings in that field. What opportunities are there for you to network with professionals in your field?

  • While searching for schools, I was suggested to seek private and public non-profit institutions.

• Selectivity

  • Do your SAT and GPA scores align with those of students who have been accepted to this institution before? Is this a safety, target, or reach school for you? Remember that there are colleges with 100% acceptance rates.