There are 2,600 4-year colleges in the United States. How to start your college search?
You have to start with some ways to narrow it down.
Here are some good places to start. It’s okay if you don’t know, just see if you can find a couple characteristics to get you on your way.
- Geography: How near or far from home/family? Which regions of the U.S., considering they all have very different cultures?
- Small (up to 2,500), Medium (3-10K), Large (10-20K), Extra-Large (20K+)
- Atmosphere: Urban, Suburban, Small town, Rural, Oversees
- Vibe/culture: Academically intense go-getter, artsy liberal, classic classes-and-football games, breezy get-the-degree+have-a-good-time, entrepreneurial scene–there are many ways to go, what feels YOU? (Key: Be honest with yourself and others!)
- Specific scope of study?
- Family alma maters?
- Participation in specific activity like a sport, club, or interest
- Cost factors for you/your family
- Specialty factors like religion, single sex, military programs.
- Prestige vs. fit: Sometimes the name just matters to you, no matter the other factors. It’s okay to want that. Be honest with yourself, know your chances, and plan your search accordingly. Be aware that fit matters to them, even if less so to you.
For an in-depth walk through these factors, see this worksheet, which is excellent. It is from the recommended book, College Match: A Blueprint for Choosing the School for You by Steven R. Antonoff.
If you’d like to just talk through your feelings on these to get suggestions and direction, contact me.
(Check back for how to find specific colleges once you have some direction…)