Finding the right college is vital.
Choosing which college or university to attend is the first major life decision most high school students make. Some students embrace this opportunity; others avoid it, overwhelmed by the implications. This decision does not have to be a paralyzing one. Many support systems are in place to help you choose the right school.
Introspection
Take a good look at yourself, considering both your strengths and weaknesses. Consider how these strengths and weaknesses translate into skills that you would like to hone during your college years. College is a time for learning and examining your abilities and limitations. You don't have to know what you want to do for the rest of your life, but it helps to have a general idea of what you can and cannot do. Gather your SAT or ACT test scores, and know your high school grade point average. These factors will help you determine which schools will be easier to get into and which will be a challenge. A common approach is to choose at least one school that is sure to accept you, one that will be a challenge to gain admittance to and one that falls somewhere in the middle of this spectrum.
High School Guidance Counselor
Your high school guidance counselor can help you connect with schools that fit your qualifications. Guidance counselors keep in touch with college officials and maintain schedules of when college representative visit high schools. If you get in touch with your counselor early enough in your high school career, he or she will ensure that your class load is appropriate for the colleges that you want to apply to.
Research
Use the many college databases at your disposal to determine which schools might be right for you. For example, at the College Board website, you can match schools to your interests by entering preferences such as the school's type, size, location, campus, available majors, sports, activities, selectivity, cost, support services and diversity. Once you have set these preferences, the database will present you with a list of all the colleges and universities that match your qualifications. Whichever source you choose to perform this search, be sure that it is credible and provides links to accredited schools.
Visit
After consulting with your guidance counselor, possibly meeting with college representatives and researching your options, visit each school on your list. Be sure you like the feel of the campus and the school's approach to education. If you can meet with current professors and students to talk about their experiences at the school, do so.
Finances
The cost of a college education is daunting, but do not let a school's price tag dissuade you from applying. Various factors will affect the eventual cost of your college education. Scholarships, grants, student loans and work-study can make a seemingly expensive college affordable. After you submit your applications, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine how much financial aid you qualify for.
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