Seven Steps For A Successful College Search

What should students consider as they begin their college search?  Almost 50 % of students entering college this fall will transfer to another school.  One of the biggest reasons for this is the lack of time that went into their college search.  Going to college is one of the biggest investments a family will make.    Students should use the college search as an opportunity to get to know themselves better and discover what is important to them and where they would like to spend four important years of their lives.  This is what makes a college search successful.

Too often, well intentioned adults ask a junior or senior in high school,” Where are you going to college?”  Rarely, does anyone ask, “Why are you going to college?”  Perhaps, if students asked this question more often of themselves, they would have more focus as they begin their college search.

Here are some things to consider before beginning a successful college search:

1.  First, decide whether you would like to go to college in-state or out-of state, closer to home or are you ready to experience something new?  Don’t limit your college choices when you first begin your college search.  You can always narrow your schools down later  after you have had plenty of time to research all of them.

2.  Next, consider whether a small or larger school is better for your learning style.  Are small classes where discussion is involved appealing to you or would a professor lecturing a group of 350 students suit you better?  Do you like knowing your teachers personally or do you prefer being anonymous?  This is an important criteria in your college search.

3.  Do you like the outdoors and enjoy a more rural setting or would you enjoy being in a city and taking advantage of its many attractions?  Is the weather a factor in your college search and do you need a change of seasons to be content?

4.  Do you have learning disabilities and need to make sure that colleges are able to offer the support services that will help you be successful?  Or perhaps you are looking for a good honors program.  These are things that require time and research to get the right answers and make sure the program is a good fit for you.  A good college search will include schools that offer programs that will challenge you or help you succeed academically if you need additional support.

5.  What kinds of activities have you participated in at your high school or in your community and are these things you wish to pursue in college?  Do you want to be a student athlete or would you just as soon participate in intramural sports?  What kind of school would give you a chance to gain leadership skills which can be invaluable for your future?  College life is important to think about in your college search.

6.  Is there any particular course of study that interests you or are you undecided as to what you would like to do?  Most students have no idea what they want to pursue and many change their minds after they start college.   Do you feel the liberal arts would provide a good educational background or are you thinking more of a pre-professional course of study?  If you aren't sure, find out how this fits into your college search,

7.  Will you need financial aid and scholarships?  Even if you do, do not rule out more expensive private schools in your college search because sometimes they actually cost less than public schools.  Again, don’t limit your college search until you have the answers and the reasons to decide that a particular school may not be right for you.

Utilize all of the resources available to you in your college search.  This should include your parents, teachers, high school counselor, the internet, and books that objectively describe many colleges.  College websites can also be helpful.  No one resource has all the answers.

Many families are turning to an educational consultant who has the expertise and time to provide individual attention and assist you in your college search. Educational consultants have visited many colleges and universities and know what makes each one unique.  They also understand the college admission process and why it is so important to help you find schools that are the right fit.  To find qualified educational consultants in your state, go to www.hecaonline.org.

Some students only look at schools with which they are familiar in their college search.  Others only consider schools that have a recognizable name.  Some choose schools impulsively and for the wrong reasons.  A successful college search should lead students to colleges where they will be academically successful, happy, and have opportunities to get involved in the activities they enjoy..