This article is published in the 2017 I’m First Guide to College
By Kelly Herrington
Creating a college list can be a daunting process. With so many colleges and factors to consider, how do you start to research and narrow down the schools where you’ll apply?
Self-Discovery
You need to know some things about yourself before you can determine the colleges that are right for you. Ask yourself: What are my academic strengths? What classes interest me? In what environment do I learn best? There are free personality tests, like the Myers Briggs, on the web that will allow you to understand your personality and learning style. Many of these tests also make career suggestions.
Search Criteria
Before picking colleges, you should first stop to think about what characteristics are important to you in a college. Think about campus size, location, athletic and arts options, student support services, and retention rates.
Resources
It is important to use a variety of resources to research colleges and generate your college list. You’ve already found a great one in this Guide and can continue your research online at www.UStrive.com Internet resources typically fall into two categories: list generators and campus reviews. You’re probably familiar with some of the popular list generators like College Board’s Big Future. Campus reviews found on sites like Unigo or College Prowler give a more personal take, but keep in mind that students who post on these sites are typically either really happy or really unhappy at their colleges, so consulting numerous sources is important. Exploring a college’s own website and reading its mission statement is also extremely valuable. Remember that visiting a college is the best way to determine how well you’ll fit in there.
Work in Progress
Your college list is a work in progress and it will probably change. As a high school student, your interests change and, as they do, your college list might too. Be flexible and open minded.
Avoid Stereotyping Perceived Prestige
Try to keep your stereotypes in check and remember that all institutions have strengths and weaknesses. A college education is a powerful tool with wonderful outcomes. There is no one perfect college. Some students thrive at large public universities and others will flourish at smaller private institutions. It is important not to rule out a college based on preconceived notions or perceived prestige. Your college list may contain colleges that are unfamiliar to you or that differ slightly with your stated preferences, however, an initial list should include colleges that expand your horizons and offer strong programs in disciplines that interest you.
Move Beyond Rankings
College rankings provide some interesting data, but are also highly subjective. Use them for the data they contain, but do not focus too heavily on the numeric rank they assign colleges. I once heard someone say that the true measure of a college is in the students it produces, not what kind it admits. Most rankings focus on input, the criteria to gain admission, but few address output, what students do post college. Most of life, though, is lived after college.
Find a Mentor
As you create your college list, try to find a mentor like your guidance counselor, teacher, friend, coach, or religious leader. It is important to have someone to help you analyze your strengths, provide career suggestions, and discuss potential colleges.
Once you have taken a well-rounded approach to generating your college list by using numerous resources, you will be in great shape when admission decisions are rendered. Most importantly, you should be happy to attend any college on your final college list. Good luck!