1. Start by making a realistic assessment of who you are as a student
Begin by taking your own personal inventory.
Identify your own skills talents.
Determine what kinds of activities you prefer, by answering the following
questions:
What are my goals?
How hard am I willing to work?
What do I want to major in?
Does this college offer a respected program in my major?
Is this career counseling available on campus?
Are there organizations, athletes, or activities that interest me?
2. Determine what you are looking for in a college.
Ask yourself some questions about your ideal school. Consider the
following:
Academic programs Student/Faculty radio Class size
Location Academic reputation Size of campus
Sport Programs Student diversity Cost
Social Life Family traditions Facility quality
Make a list of your priorities.
Make a list of things you do not want in a college.
3. Gather information about the colleges that interest you.
Surf the World Wide Web:
All colleges have websites and most are easy to find:
www.(insert college name).edu
If an abbreviation for the college does not work, try a variation
or use a web search engine to find the college's home page.
Most college websites give general information about the school, admission
requirements, the majors offered, a map, and other general information.
Some websites may have a virtual campus tour.
Attend a local College Night.
Talk to students and alumni of the college.
4. Now is the time to compare all information. Narrow your list down
to seven-ten schools that really interest you.
Have you completed all the necessary high school courses in order
to meet the admission requirements for each college selected?
Are your grades and test scores high enough for you to be a competitive
applicant at the institutions you selected?
5. Narrow your list even more. Choose four-six schools from your
original list that meet your goals/needs.
These are the college applications that you will complete.
Set up a file for each school you are considering.
Keep copies of all your correspondence, documents, and notifications
in corresponding file for each school.
Request applications from the colleges, if you do not yet have one.
Attend college-sponsored events for prospective students.
