How to Find the Right College

Start Your College Search

1. Start with you:  Make a list of your abilities, preferences, and personal qualities.  List things you may want to study and do in college.
2. Jumpstart your college planning by reading about majors and careers.
3. Use College Search to find colleges with the right characteristics.  You’ll find the latest information on 3,600+ colleges, plus easy access to related tools.

Start Thinking about Financial Aid.  Talk to your counselor about your college plans and attend college night and financial aid night at your school.  Use financial aid calculators to estimate your aid eligibility and college costs.

Start visiting local colleges:  large, small, public, and private.  Get a feel for what works for you.  Develop a list of 15-20 colleges that interest you. 

Search for colleges.  Use the tools available to locate the colleges that match your requirements.

Visit colleges.  Take campus tours and, at colleges you’re serious about, schedule interviews with admissions counselors.  Be sure to bring your campus visit checklist.