Steps to Finding The Right College

Special Section: Back to School 2009

When it comes to higher education, there are many options for the high school student who is looking for the college that is right for them. Colleges, in turn, are looking for students who will maintain their academic standing and the quality of their campus life.

Step One: Getting Started
Narrow down the choices, get an idea of what is desired from the college experience and research each possibility.
• Make a list of college wants:
Big or small school, field of study available, extracurricular activities, big city or a small town and distance from home are all factors to take into consideration.
• Research each college:
Read college brochures and look at their websites. Other websites to check out are www.collegeispossible.com, www.nacacnet.org, www.supercollege.com and www.collegeboard.com.
• Talk to the experts:
Meet with a high school guidance counselor to plan academic course work and find out options for college. Discuss possibilities with parents and find out their thoughts, as well as how much money they can contribute. Guidance counselors can give timetables and information about financial aid deadlines.

Step Two: Making the Move
Visit the campus, meet professors and talk to students to hear their experience. Check out the surrounding communities and decide whether the campus and local community has a likable climate and culture.
• When to visit:
The best time to visit is before an application is submitted, but visit again after an acceptance letter is received to make sure the school is a good fit. Visit when classes are in session to see campus life. Go on a tour and talk to current students again.
• What to look for:
Assess the college’s academic goals. Ask about the program that will be majored in to assess strengths and weaknesses. Meet with professors in that major. Ask about the college’s graduation rates, size of freshman classes and percentage of classes taught by teaching assistants. Does the college have the athletic and extracurricular programs desired? What percentage of the students remains on campus during the weekend? Is the local community safe and likable? Do students seem to like the college? What are the dorms like? How are the cafeteria and the campus food?
• Who should attend the visit?
Parents should attend the visit, as they will look at the school from a different perspective, which can be important.
• What else?
Attend at least one class during the visit, preferably in the desired major. Schedule a meeting with an admissions officer and ask questions about financial aid and what the school can be expected to offer.

Step Three: Finer Points
Fill out college applications and write essays.
• Where can applications be attained?
Applications can be picked up during the campus tour, found in materials the college sends or online. Applications for more than 300 colleges can be found at www.commonapp.org.
• What is the most important part of the application process?
Since colleges look beyond academics, it is important to stand out as a distinct individual with an interesting background, experiences and opinions. They want students who will add interest to the classroom culture. Make sure application deadline is met.
• Make the essay shine.
Keep it short. Be sincere and honest and show some depth. The college wants to know not just what has happened, but the reactions to those experiences. Let someone else proofread and critique the essay.
• What about finances?
Assess finances with parents and figure out what is reasonable. Find out from the college what type of financial aid it will provide. Apply for financial aid by filling out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid form (FAFSA). It is required for financial aid, including government grants and scholarships. The form is available at high school guidance offices, college financial aid offices and online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Some privately run sites are www.fafsa.com and www.finaid.org. This is required annually and must have a copy of the parents filed IRS tax returns submitted with it.

Step Four: The Endgame
After researching the best choices, making visits, finding out about financial aid, and submitting applications, several colleges have sent acceptance letters. Now what?
• What criteria should be used to make the final decision?
For most people, the financial aid award the college will provide may be the biggest factor. Awards can be increased as financial situations change. Consider factors such as whether the college is a good fit, has the academic and extracurricular programs desired and is a comfortable size.
• How involved should parents be in the final decision?
Deciding which college to attend is a big decision, and the input and advice of parents can be invaluable. They have their child’s best interests at heart, so they can help with this decision.
• When should the final decision be made?
Most colleges have a May deadline for deposits for the fall. Deadlines are earlier for early decision and other programs so check with each college.
• Once the college has been chosen, visit again.
Many colleges have visiting programs for students who have been accepted. During this visit, details will be noticed that were not before. Make sure the campus seems comfortable and that continues to feel like a good fit.