Building a college list is crucial as you consider your undergraduate journey. After all, you’re going to be spending the next four years of your life there and you want it to support your plans for the future. The college search then becomes two-fold: it’s a search for the right academic environment that will both support and challenge you academically and pre-professionally; it’s also a search for a community, a social network, and a place where
you can grow other passions, hobbies and interests. When students immerse themselves in the college search process, they’re forced to do some real soul searching. There are certainly factors like location, size, academic programs, and affordability that become obvious factors to consider, but a true college search will force a student to dig deeply into the ways in which they might want to engage in the community–whether politically, through activism, volunteerism, leadership. Self reflection will push you to consider your short and long term goals.
These questions may be worth considering as you embark on your search:
- Self-Reflection:
- What subjects excite you?
- What career paths are you considering?
- What are your passions?
- What are your strengths?
- Consider Location:
- Do you prefer a big city, a small town, or a suburban campus?
- What kind of learning environment do you thrive in?
- Research Colleges:
- Use college search websites like Common App, College Board, or Niche to find colleges that match your interests and criteria.
- Consider the pros and cons of public vs. private, liberal arts vs. research universities, and community colleges.
- Attend college fairs and information sessions to connect with college representatives and ask questions about admissions, academics, and student life.
- Visit Campuses (if possible):
- College virtual tours, campus visits, or information sessions can help you get a feel for the campus culture and environment.
