The College Search

Finding the right college or university isn't easy. After all, there are more than 5,000 schools in the United States alone! How do you find schools that will meet your needs, and then begin to narrow the list down? The answer is through research. Just as you would make any big purchase, you research the available products - in this case, the product happens to be an institution for higher learning.

Where to start?

Naviance Student can help make the process of finding the right college just a little easier. Using Naviance Student’s Find your Fit search tools, you can locate the schools that best fit with your interests, passions, and criteria. Once you’ve narrowed down a group of colleges, multiple tools are available to understand more about that school in general and as a prospect. The first step of this process is figuring out what schools may be a good fit for you based on your interests. Naviance Student offers six (6) search tools - SuperMatch, College Match, Scattergrams, Advanced College Search, and College Lookup. Use the links for detailed instructions on using Naviance’s college search tools, and watch our video tutorial which demonstrates Naviance’s SuperMatch college search feature. Students can also visit their counselor or the College & Career Center for more information and assistance in using these features.

"The College Fit"

For those of you who aren’t sure what to look for in a college, you might want to watch this terrific YouTube video created for NMHS by Brittany Bauch, Associate Director of Admissions at the University of New Haven. It’s about ‘Finding the Right Fit’ in your college search. Brittany presents an interesting comparison that really helps to put the college search process in perspective.

We really enjoyed her presentation - that’s why we asked her to record it for all of you. Take a look (or just listen!)

Click on the links for additional college search resources:


  • Intelligent rates the Best Colleges in Connecticut. Their online guide provides information such as top Connecticut colleges and universities, available financial support, and future employment opportunities to further assist students in making the right decision for their future.

  • College Connect - This is your chance to connect! High school students are paired with current college students who are ready to answer your questions, helping you to make confident college decisions with the inside scoop.

  • Campus Reel - Offers tours of colleges and has videos with student reviews and student tours of dorms, food, social life, academics and “A Day in the Life” of a student. Another perspective is always appreciated.

  • Niche - Offers "rigorous analysis of academic, admissions, financial, and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education along with millions of reviews from students and alumni."

  • Virtual Campus Tours - This is your chance to “see” what a college looks like, programs is has to offer and the ability to attend virtual events (remember, colleges will be able to track who registers, so sign in where you can).

  • College Confidential - Search tools, forums, and expert advice to help you "find the best education for your career goals."

  • Petersons - "Quickly perform a college search by major, location, degree and more."

  • Schools in the USA - Articles, videos and information to help you find the right school and request more information from mulitple schools through one site.

  • U.S. News & World Reports - Consumer guide to college data and rankings.

  • College Data - Explore over 2000 colleges and universities using their College Match, College Chances, and Admissions Tracker tools, then use their financial tools to determine affordability.

  • You Visit - Immersive and interactive virtual tours.


Special College Webinar for Students With Learning Differences

Landmark College in Putney, Vermont presented a webinar exclusively for NMHS students with learning disabilities (such as dyslexia), ADHD and executive function challenges, and autism spectrum disorders earlier this fall. The October presentation, “Navigating the Post-Secondary Education Search Process for Students with Learning Differences” is now available on YouTube. Ferne Bork, Landmark Admissions counselor and the mother of a Landmark College alumnus who has ADHD, "developed this webcast to give students and families the tools they need to determine fit as they look at various colleges and to help them prepare for the transition." Ferne provides "in-depth information about what to consider and the wide range of supports that exists in post-secondary education today. She talks about traditional schools and the accommodations they offer; colleges that, while traditional, offer specific programs for students with LD; and the specific expertise of Landmark College, which specializes in educating neurodiverse students."