4 answers
Robert
Student
Avon, Massachusetts
2
Questions
Updated
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What is the best way to find the perfect college for me in terms of size, location, education, school-spirit and programs?
I am a high school senior and am looking to find the perfect college to pursue a business degree! #Fall25
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4 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Advisor | Freelance Writer | TRIO Program Director
1060
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
One thing that I have always told students is become engaged in what is commonly called "Campus Navigation."
Many colleges have campus tour programs, which provides an initial introduction to the college campus, but I recommend that all students go well beyond the campus tour.
I recommend getting a map of the campus and going for several visit. Visiting various location on campus can help, if you need assistance or feel lost when you arrive.
Many college professors and academic advisors have office hours, which enables current and future students to visit, so they can discuss their future college major or the possible path they should take towards attaining a degree.
Many campuses have college employment offices, which provide information and possible opportunities for employment and future internships.
I also recommend visiting the library, to check out where the best study locations are on the campus.
Checking out the locations of your future classes and becoming well acquainted with campus building can help avoid any issues when you arrive.
Find the buildings which house the various departments, like financial aid, admissions, college security and parking, student life, and campus housing, can also help.
The more knowledge you have of the college campus, and where resources can be found, the less apprehensive and confused you will be when you arrive on the campus to start your college experience.
Many colleges have campus tour programs, which provides an initial introduction to the college campus, but I recommend that all students go well beyond the campus tour.
I recommend getting a map of the campus and going for several visit. Visiting various location on campus can help, if you need assistance or feel lost when you arrive.
Many college professors and academic advisors have office hours, which enables current and future students to visit, so they can discuss their future college major or the possible path they should take towards attaining a degree.
Many campuses have college employment offices, which provide information and possible opportunities for employment and future internships.
I also recommend visiting the library, to check out where the best study locations are on the campus.
Checking out the locations of your future classes and becoming well acquainted with campus building can help avoid any issues when you arrive.
Find the buildings which house the various departments, like financial aid, admissions, college security and parking, student life, and campus housing, can also help.
The more knowledge you have of the college campus, and where resources can be found, the less apprehensive and confused you will be when you arrive on the campus to start your college experience.
Maeve Cannon
CareerVillage.org TeamPartnerships Manager
49
Answers
Ridgewood, New Jersey
Updated
Maeve’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team
Hi Robert! While you can't ensure everything will be perfect, reflecting on what's important to you can help. Think about what you've liked or disliked in high school. Do you like your school's size, or wish it were different? Do you enjoy events like pep rallies and sports games? Are there enough ways for you to get involved? Is your school in a rural or urban area, and do you like that? Use your experiences to figure out your preferences.
When I was in high school, I liked having a large student body because I enjoyed meeting new people. My high school had about 400 people per grade and 2,000 students total, so I realized a small college might be too limiting for me. But I also liked knowing many faces and building a community, so a huge university didn't seem right either. I chose a medium-sized university with about 2,000 students per grade.
I also loved attending sporting events in high school, which made me want a college with strong school spirit and possibly a Division 1 sports program.
Growing up near NYC was great for me. I loved the city's food and arts, and my high school offered many city-based learning opportunities. This made me want a college near a big city, but I also wanted to explore a new area since I'd always have connections to NYC. I chose Boston College, which was a great fit for me.
I hope my experience helps you think about what you want!
When I was in high school, I liked having a large student body because I enjoyed meeting new people. My high school had about 400 people per grade and 2,000 students total, so I realized a small college might be too limiting for me. But I also liked knowing many faces and building a community, so a huge university didn't seem right either. I chose a medium-sized university with about 2,000 students per grade.
I also loved attending sporting events in high school, which made me want a college with strong school spirit and possibly a Division 1 sports program.
Growing up near NYC was great for me. I loved the city's food and arts, and my high school offered many city-based learning opportunities. This made me want a college near a big city, but I also wanted to explore a new area since I'd always have connections to NYC. I chose Boston College, which was a great fit for me.
I hope my experience helps you think about what you want!
Kandace Turner
Sales Optimization
6
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Kandace’s Answer
The best way to find the right college is to focus on fit — not just reputation or rankings.
Start by thinking about the environment where you’ll do your best. Size, location, school spirit, and traditions all matter because they shape your everyday experience. Some schools feel very close-knit, others are big and energetic. Some are deeply rooted in tradition, while others are more flexible and modern. There’s no “better” choice — just what fits you.
Culture is huge. Visiting the campus is one of the best ways to understand it. Walk around, sit in common areas, and imagine yourself living and learning there. Do people seem collaborative? Competitive? Supportive? Can you picture yourself being comfortable and growing in that environment? That feeling matters.
At the same time, make sure the school is strong in the field you’re leaning toward. Look at what the university is known for, the programs it invests in, and the opportunities students get — like internships, research, or hands-on projects. A school that aligns with your interests and goals will give you more chances to succeed.
The “perfect” college isn’t about checking every box — it’s about finding a place where the culture feels right and the education supports who you want to become. Trust your instincts, do your research, and remember that many students succeed in lots of different paths.
Start by thinking about the environment where you’ll do your best. Size, location, school spirit, and traditions all matter because they shape your everyday experience. Some schools feel very close-knit, others are big and energetic. Some are deeply rooted in tradition, while others are more flexible and modern. There’s no “better” choice — just what fits you.
Culture is huge. Visiting the campus is one of the best ways to understand it. Walk around, sit in common areas, and imagine yourself living and learning there. Do people seem collaborative? Competitive? Supportive? Can you picture yourself being comfortable and growing in that environment? That feeling matters.
At the same time, make sure the school is strong in the field you’re leaning toward. Look at what the university is known for, the programs it invests in, and the opportunities students get — like internships, research, or hands-on projects. A school that aligns with your interests and goals will give you more chances to succeed.
The “perfect” college isn’t about checking every box — it’s about finding a place where the culture feels right and the education supports who you want to become. Trust your instincts, do your research, and remember that many students succeed in lots of different paths.
Spoorthy Mendu
Developer
2
Answers
Liberty Hill, Texas
Updated
Spoorthy’s Answer
Hi Robert, here are some helpful tips to guide your decision:
1) Think about what interests you most and find a major you'll enjoy for the long term.
2) Look for good in-state colleges that are affordable.
3) If you love sports, choose a college that supports the sport you enjoy.
4) Consider where you want to live. If being close to family is important, look for a college nearby.
1) Think about what interests you most and find a major you'll enjoy for the long term.
2) Look for good in-state colleges that are affordable.
3) If you love sports, choose a college that supports the sport you enjoy.
4) Consider where you want to live. If being close to family is important, look for a college nearby.