Researching colleges is a large part of the college planning process, but it can be confusing! Thorough research helps students and their families make informed decisions about the future, but how are you supposed to research colleges?
What is important to know? What should you be looking for, and where should you be looking?
Choosing a college is about finding a place where students can thrive, grow, and achieve their goals. This guide will teach you how to navigate your college research effectively. Continue reading to ensure you have the tools and knowledge to select your best college fit.
Understand Your Needs and Preferences
The first step in researching colleges is self-reflection. Take some time to determine what you want and need from a college experience. We recommend looking at three areas of college fit: academic, social, and financial.
Consider factors such as the size of the institution, cost of attendance, location (urban vs. rural, distance from home), majors and academic programs offered, campus culture, and available extracurricular activities.
As you consider the different aspects of college fit, keep a list of the criteria you want your college to have (or not have!). Once you have a list of your unique college fit criteria, decide which factors are your “must-haves” versus things that would be “nice to have” in a college but are negotiable.
At the same time, make a note of anything on your “no way” list—criteria your ideal college would not have.
While you research colleges, keep your fit list handy. Compare what you learn about the college to your college fit criteria and ask yourself, “How well does this college fit me?”
Online Research
Start with official college websites to get an accurate sense of that institution. Explore the college website thoroughly, including pages for academic departments that interest you, student and residential life, admissions, and so on.
Dive deep into the opportunities that interest you. For academic interests, review the curriculum, faculty qualifications, and the availability of learning opportunities related to your field of interest. For extracurricular interests, browse the list of student organizations on campus. Visit the webpages for student services that interest you, including career services, study abroad, residence life, and financial aid. Don't hesitate to contact admissions counselors with questions that pop up along the way.
Often, colleges will have other associated resources outside of the official website. Check to see if the college you are researching has a YouTube channel (Pro Tip: Specific departments may also have their own channel!), an online student newspaper, or social media accounts for various departments or student organizations. These are trustworthy resources that can give you an idea of what daily campus life is like.
Additional online resources are available to help you with your college research. Some provide statistics on costs, demographics, graduation rates, and post-college earnings. Others are opinion-based sites that can provide useful information. However, keep in mind that people typically only review things they feel strongly about (whether positive or negative), so take reviews with a grain of salt!
Here’s a list of websites to get you started:
A note about college ranking lists:
We intentionally did not include any college-ranking sites that you may be familiar with because there are better ways to measure college fit.
We understand why ranking lists are appealing, but college fit should start with the student’s needs and priorities instead of with an outside opinion.
Understanding the metrics and methodologies used to generate the rankings is also critical. Often, what is measured to determine ranking doesn't include many factors students and families identify as important to college fit. Rankings are just one piece of a very large puzzle.
Campus Visits
Nothing compares to the insights gained from visiting a campus. These visits give students a first-hand impression of the college's atmosphere, community, and facilities.
Virtual tours are a great starting point, especially for colleges that are far from home!
For in-person visits, plan ahead to make the most of your trip. Students should try to attend official information sessions and tours, but they can also sit in on classes, arrange to meet with professors, and explore the campus and surrounding area on their own to get a genuine feel for student life.
College Fairs & High School Visits
College fairs and high school visits let students connect with college representatives away from the college campus.
College fairs help prospective students learn about many different colleges at once. Typically, participating colleges set up booths or tables where students can ask questions and pick up information about the school.
High school visits are when college representatives come directly to the high school to meet students and share about their college. Many of these visits happen in the fall of senior year and are often a good chance to connect with the admissions officers. Sometimes, the admissions representative who reads applications for that high school will be the one to visit, so it’s a great opportunity for students to introduce themselves and put a face with a name.
College fairs and high school visits give students direct insights from college representatives. Prepare a list of questions to ask at these events. Make notes during conversations, and collect contact information for follow-up questions. And don’t forget to send a thank you email to anyone you connect with at these events!
USE Your Network
Do you know anyone who attends or has recently graduated from the colleges on your list? These people are great resources!
Connecting with current students and recent alumni can give students a unique perspective on the college experience. Ask about their personal experiences, challenges, and what they love most about their college. This firsthand information can be incredibly revealing and may highlight parts of college life you hadn't previously considered.
If you don’t have any direct connections to a college, ask your college counselor or contact the college’s admissions office to see if they can connect you to a current student.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Financial fit should not be ignored as you conduct your college research!
While you are researching academic programs and exploring social fit, also make sure you understand each college’s total cost of attendance. Research the various types of financial aid available, including scholarships, grants, and loans. Look up additional details like the average debt of graduates.
Including financial factors in your research lets families assess the affordability of a college and avoid unwelcome financial surprises down the line.
Staying Organized
With so much information to process, staying organized is key. Figure out the system that works best for you!
You may use spreadsheets, digital folders, or notebooks to keep track of your research findings. As you collect information about the colleges you research, you can begin to narrow down your list of potential colleges based on how well they align with your criteria and priorities.
Staying organized will help focus your efforts on the schools that are most likely to be a good fit.
Pro Tip: Hold onto your notes even after you’ve finalized the list of colleges where you will be applying.
When you start applications in your senior year, many colleges may have an additional “Why this college?” supplemental essay. Work smarter, not harder, by returning to your notes that connect the dots between your interests and the college.
These notes can also be a helpful tool when it comes time to make your final college decision!
Now, go research!
College research can sometimes feel like a homework assignment, but think of it as the foundation of choosing your best-fit college. Solid college research supports students and their families in making informed decisions that are based on a deep understanding of what each college offers and how it aligns with the student’s needs and goals.
Remember, finding the right college is a journey that requires patience and an open mind. Approach your college search with curiosity and enthusiasm! The effort you put into researching colleges today will pay off when you find a school that feels like home!
