9 answers
Robert
Student
Avon, Massachusetts
2
Questions
Updated
631 views
What is the best way to find the college for me in terms of size, location, education, school-spirit and programs?
What methods are the most successful in finding the right fit college?
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9 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer, TRIO Program Administrator
1009
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," in order to determine which college or university is the best fit form them.
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 student services, 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 student services, 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.
Shelley Kamen
Project Manager
2
Answers
Round Rock, Texas
Updated
Shelley’s Answer
Hi Robert!
Great question! Take into consideration things like distance from home, degree programs offered, extracurricular activities that interest you, and whether you feel more comfortable in a smaller or larger community. I was in band through my grade school years, so I was looking for a college with the best band! The University of Texas at Austin checked my boxes. It was close to home, had a great social support system in the Longhorn Band community, the degree programs offered were highly recognized, and the size of the school didn't matter to me since I had that band connection.
Get with your school advisor who can share opportunities to visit campuses and offer a list of schools with programs you are interested in. You can also do a search in Google or any AI tool. Be sure to ask for a specific list of schools that meet all your requirements! Best of luck!
Make a list of your requirements like distance from home, degree programs offered, extracurricular activities that interest you, and whether you feel more comfortable in a smaller or larger community.
Get with your school advisor who can share opportunities to visit campuses and offer a list of schools with programs you are interested in
Ask Copilot/Chat GPT, etc for a specific list of schools that meet all your requirements.
Great question! Take into consideration things like distance from home, degree programs offered, extracurricular activities that interest you, and whether you feel more comfortable in a smaller or larger community. I was in band through my grade school years, so I was looking for a college with the best band! The University of Texas at Austin checked my boxes. It was close to home, had a great social support system in the Longhorn Band community, the degree programs offered were highly recognized, and the size of the school didn't matter to me since I had that band connection.
Get with your school advisor who can share opportunities to visit campuses and offer a list of schools with programs you are interested in. You can also do a search in Google or any AI tool. Be sure to ask for a specific list of schools that meet all your requirements! Best of luck!
Shelley recommends the following next steps:
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1085
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Robert,
There are thousands of colleges in the US, so things can feel a little overwhelming. Once you can nail down a couple of key factors, the fog usually lifts a bit. You should build a college list of maybe 10 - 15 schools including reach, target and safety schools. And, there is no ONE "dream school" for you, there are many where you would get a perfectly fine education and be happy.
I would recommend that you first research different career paths and decide what career you want to pursue and which degree programs would qualify you for that career. You don't have to pinpoint one very specific career at this point, but to know if you want a STEM career or something in the arts or social sciences helps a lot in choosing colleges. No school is great at everything, so you don't choose a university but rather a degree program. Once you know what you want to do, look up colleges that are highly ranked if that is important to you or at least highly regarded and look up schools in your state. Also find out what research centers and focus areas each school has within your desired major.
Think about the financial implications and how far you want to go in your education. Will a bachelors be enough or will you need a doctorate? How many years of schooling will that be? With all the hype around elite colleges - for most people a state school will get you a perfectly adequate education and be much more affordable than an out-of-state school. Look at the total cost of attendance for each school you would consider. Consider your potential for financial aid through the college and through scholarships.
Useful websites to research potential colleges:
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/college-search
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov
https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator
https://www.scholarmatch.org/resources/scholarmatcher
Look up the GPA and SAT range of accepted students to understand your realistic chances to get into the school. Look up the average cost of attendance. Look up the graduation rate of students and the retention rate after the first year. Research the student population, i.e. diversity in terms of socioeconomic background, race and ethnicity and other identity markers. Research support services on campus that you might need.
Maybe not the most important factors, but find out if schools you would consider are in a rural, suburban or big-city environment. Find out what the climate is like. Maybe you are someone who wants to explore a part of the country that is different from your home state. Or maybe you can't imagine living in a cold/hot/humid/different climate or away from the ocean or the mountains. Being happy at your chosen school is important!
If you can, visit the schools you are considering. See if you like the general "vibe". Check out the program you want to attend and what they have to offer: In STEM, money = facilities is important. Industry connections and opportunities for internships are important. Extracurricular activities in your field and research opportunities are important.
If you have a cherished hobby, e.g. a particular sport or something in the arts, find out if your potential schools have teams/orchestras/choirs etc. Having to give up an activity because your college doesn't offer it, hurts.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
There are thousands of colleges in the US, so things can feel a little overwhelming. Once you can nail down a couple of key factors, the fog usually lifts a bit. You should build a college list of maybe 10 - 15 schools including reach, target and safety schools. And, there is no ONE "dream school" for you, there are many where you would get a perfectly fine education and be happy.
I would recommend that you first research different career paths and decide what career you want to pursue and which degree programs would qualify you for that career. You don't have to pinpoint one very specific career at this point, but to know if you want a STEM career or something in the arts or social sciences helps a lot in choosing colleges. No school is great at everything, so you don't choose a university but rather a degree program. Once you know what you want to do, look up colleges that are highly ranked if that is important to you or at least highly regarded and look up schools in your state. Also find out what research centers and focus areas each school has within your desired major.
Think about the financial implications and how far you want to go in your education. Will a bachelors be enough or will you need a doctorate? How many years of schooling will that be? With all the hype around elite colleges - for most people a state school will get you a perfectly adequate education and be much more affordable than an out-of-state school. Look at the total cost of attendance for each school you would consider. Consider your potential for financial aid through the college and through scholarships.
Useful websites to research potential colleges:
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/college-search
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov
https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator
https://www.scholarmatch.org/resources/scholarmatcher
Look up the GPA and SAT range of accepted students to understand your realistic chances to get into the school. Look up the average cost of attendance. Look up the graduation rate of students and the retention rate after the first year. Research the student population, i.e. diversity in terms of socioeconomic background, race and ethnicity and other identity markers. Research support services on campus that you might need.
Maybe not the most important factors, but find out if schools you would consider are in a rural, suburban or big-city environment. Find out what the climate is like. Maybe you are someone who wants to explore a part of the country that is different from your home state. Or maybe you can't imagine living in a cold/hot/humid/different climate or away from the ocean or the mountains. Being happy at your chosen school is important!
If you can, visit the schools you are considering. See if you like the general "vibe". Check out the program you want to attend and what they have to offer: In STEM, money = facilities is important. Industry connections and opportunities for internships are important. Extracurricular activities in your field and research opportunities are important.
If you have a cherished hobby, e.g. a particular sport or something in the arts, find out if your potential schools have teams/orchestras/choirs etc. Having to give up an activity because your college doesn't offer it, hurts.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Roel Ramon
Product Management and Development
91
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Roel’s Answer
I strongly suggest you find schools that truly interest you. Try to talk to people who went there or are still attending. Many colleges have wonderful school spirit, but finding the right location and fit is key for you!
When I went to Texas A&M, I knew it was perfect for me after going to sports events, chatting with students, and taking a campus tour. Wishing you the best of luck!
When I went to Texas A&M, I knew it was perfect for me after going to sports events, chatting with students, and taking a campus tour. Wishing you the best of luck!
Jessica Gegner, CCMP™
Change Partner Senior
93
Answers
Cincinnati, Ohio
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
Hi Robert! It's awesome that you're thinking about the right school for you. Before picking a college, it's a good idea to decide on a major. The goal is to get a degree that helps you start your career, so look for schools that are regionally accredited and offer the major and degree level you want, like an Associate's or Bachelor's.
Think about your budget for college. Are your parents helping, or are you covering the costs yourself? If you did well in school, joined clubs, or are part of a minority group, you might qualify for scholarships. Decide if you'll live on campus or commute. Living in dorms has its own costs and perks. Check if your state offers tuition discounts or scholarships for local colleges. This can help you decide if you need a work-study program, start at a community college to save money, or stick to nearby schools.
Once you know your budget, lifestyle, and location preferences, you can focus on details like school size, spirit, and programs. Narrow down your choices to fewer than 10 schools. Research online the schools' extracurriculars, campus features, sports, and class options for your major. Focus on colleges with courses that excite you, as being interested in your studies makes it easier to succeed. It's important to visit campuses to see what you like about them prior to making your final choice, too. Feeling safe is important, so check campus safety reports and crime reports for the area where the college is located. This could also inform your decision.
Choosing a college is a personal choice, but your family might have a say if they're helping with costs. Some parents have preferences about where their child goes to school or if they live at home. It's important to balance your choices with their input, especially if they're contributing financially, so be sure to include them in the decision-making process, if applicable, but it's ultimately your decision.
Think about your budget for college. Are your parents helping, or are you covering the costs yourself? If you did well in school, joined clubs, or are part of a minority group, you might qualify for scholarships. Decide if you'll live on campus or commute. Living in dorms has its own costs and perks. Check if your state offers tuition discounts or scholarships for local colleges. This can help you decide if you need a work-study program, start at a community college to save money, or stick to nearby schools.
Once you know your budget, lifestyle, and location preferences, you can focus on details like school size, spirit, and programs. Narrow down your choices to fewer than 10 schools. Research online the schools' extracurriculars, campus features, sports, and class options for your major. Focus on colleges with courses that excite you, as being interested in your studies makes it easier to succeed. It's important to visit campuses to see what you like about them prior to making your final choice, too. Feeling safe is important, so check campus safety reports and crime reports for the area where the college is located. This could also inform your decision.
Choosing a college is a personal choice, but your family might have a say if they're helping with costs. Some parents have preferences about where their child goes to school or if they live at home. It's important to balance your choices with their input, especially if they're contributing financially, so be sure to include them in the decision-making process, if applicable, but it's ultimately your decision.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2398
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Different college have strength in different subjects. Firstly, you need to find out what careers you have interest. The relevant subjects you can explore more.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favorite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
Eg. If you like music, would you like to be a singer, musical artist, musician, music composer, music producer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, finance manager, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue. The relevant subjects are the major you can do more research on the colleges, e.g. subject ranking, location, facilities, etc.
5. Explore the entry criteria of the relevant subject in colleges
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favorite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
Eg. If you like music, would you like to be a singer, musical artist, musician, music composer, music producer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, finance manager, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue. The relevant subjects are the major you can do more research on the colleges, e.g. subject ranking, location, facilities, etc.
5. Explore the entry criteria of the relevant subject in colleges
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Kim Good
Senior Recruiter
8
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Hi Robert,
Congratulations on being at the beginning of this exciting journey ahead! Start by making a list of the key qualities you are looking for in a school. Some key things to look for are major, class size, school size, athletics/student organizations, greek life, location, and cost.
Once you have your list, start to visit the schools. You will have to make sure it feels right when you are there. You can check many boxes on a list, but there is going to be a piece of this that is instinct based as well.
Talk to people within your personal/community network. Look on message boards such as reddit to hear about the student experience. While on campus visits, talk to the students as well as staff/professors. Try to get a sense of what that school's community feels like. Some colleges offer an overnight visit with campus housing for you to check out.
Choosing the right school is only half of the equation. You also have to put in the work to make your college experience whatever you want it to be.
GOOD LUCK!
Congratulations on being at the beginning of this exciting journey ahead! Start by making a list of the key qualities you are looking for in a school. Some key things to look for are major, class size, school size, athletics/student organizations, greek life, location, and cost.
Once you have your list, start to visit the schools. You will have to make sure it feels right when you are there. You can check many boxes on a list, but there is going to be a piece of this that is instinct based as well.
Talk to people within your personal/community network. Look on message boards such as reddit to hear about the student experience. While on campus visits, talk to the students as well as staff/professors. Try to get a sense of what that school's community feels like. Some colleges offer an overnight visit with campus housing for you to check out.
Choosing the right school is only half of the equation. You also have to put in the work to make your college experience whatever you want it to be.
GOOD LUCK!
Jenna Zhou
4
Answers
Updated
Jenna’s Answer
Finding the right college is about understanding what matters most to you and how each school aligns with those priorities. Start by considering "size": do you thrive in a close-knit environment where professors know your name, or do you prefer the energy and resources of a large university? Smaller schools often offer more personalized attention, while larger ones may provide broader academic options and extracurricular opportunities.
Next, think about "location". Do you want to be close to home or explore a new region? Consider climate, cost of living, and access to internships or job markets. Urban campuses often provide more networking and cultural experiences, while rural or suburban settings may offer a quieter, community-focused atmosphere.
"Education quality and programs" should be a top priority. Research the strength of your intended major, faculty expertise, and available resources like labs, libraries, and career services. If you’re undecided, look for schools with strong advising and flexibility to explore different fields.
Finally, "school spirit and culture" matter more than many realize. Visit campuses if possible, talk to current students, and attend events to get a feel for the vibe. Some schools have a strong sense of tradition and community, while others emphasize diversity and innovation. The best fit is where you feel both challenged and supported.
Here are some excellent resources to help you research and compare colleges based on size, location, education quality, school spirit, and programs:
1. College Navigator (U.S. Department of Education)(https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/)
Provides official data on over 7,000 colleges, including enrollment size, tuition, graduation rates, and programs offered. Great for building side-by-side comparisons.
2. College Scorecard(https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/)
Offers detailed information on costs, student debt, graduation rates, and post-college earnings. You can compare up to 10 colleges at once.
3. BigFuture by College Board
Lets you filter colleges by size, location, majors, and other criteria. Includes tools for financial aid and scholarship searches.
4. Niche College Compare Tool (https://www.niche.com/colleges/compare/)
Compare up to four colleges side-by-side with data on cost, size, test scores, and student reviews.
5. CollegeSimply Compare (https://www.collegesimply.com/colleges/compare/)
Compare over 50 data points including tuition, graduation rates, and campus life for thousands of U.S. colleges.
6. U.S. News Best Colleges(https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges)
Provides rankings and detailed profiles for national universities, liberal arts colleges, and programs.
Next, think about "location". Do you want to be close to home or explore a new region? Consider climate, cost of living, and access to internships or job markets. Urban campuses often provide more networking and cultural experiences, while rural or suburban settings may offer a quieter, community-focused atmosphere.
"Education quality and programs" should be a top priority. Research the strength of your intended major, faculty expertise, and available resources like labs, libraries, and career services. If you’re undecided, look for schools with strong advising and flexibility to explore different fields.
Finally, "school spirit and culture" matter more than many realize. Visit campuses if possible, talk to current students, and attend events to get a feel for the vibe. Some schools have a strong sense of tradition and community, while others emphasize diversity and innovation. The best fit is where you feel both challenged and supported.
Here are some excellent resources to help you research and compare colleges based on size, location, education quality, school spirit, and programs:
1. College Navigator (U.S. Department of Education)(https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/)
Provides official data on over 7,000 colleges, including enrollment size, tuition, graduation rates, and programs offered. Great for building side-by-side comparisons.
2. College Scorecard(https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/)
Offers detailed information on costs, student debt, graduation rates, and post-college earnings. You can compare up to 10 colleges at once.
3. BigFuture by College Board
Lets you filter colleges by size, location, majors, and other criteria. Includes tools for financial aid and scholarship searches.
4. Niche College Compare Tool (https://www.niche.com/colleges/compare/)
Compare up to four colleges side-by-side with data on cost, size, test scores, and student reviews.
5. CollegeSimply Compare (https://www.collegesimply.com/colleges/compare/)
Compare over 50 data points including tuition, graduation rates, and campus life for thousands of U.S. colleges.
6. U.S. News Best Colleges(https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges)
Provides rankings and detailed profiles for national universities, liberal arts colleges, and programs.
Rich Hornstein
Run several small businesses
9
Answers
Huntington Beach, California
Updated
Rich’s Answer
Hi Robert:
I think school visits are critical but more specifically talk to many students on campus. They should be the most honest about the quality and care of the professors, the student mind set outside the classroom, etc. I learned this first hand and almost made a huge mistake. I didn’t chose the top Business school I was accepted in because the students were more nerdish than I wanted.
I still went to a great school but the friends I made and the times we shared have done more for me than the lessons in class! My chosen school was more well rounded. Good luck and take chances and be open to all kinds of learning. You’ll never have the same opportunity again and you’ll still get a good career and lifelong lessons!
I think school visits are critical but more specifically talk to many students on campus. They should be the most honest about the quality and care of the professors, the student mind set outside the classroom, etc. I learned this first hand and almost made a huge mistake. I didn’t chose the top Business school I was accepted in because the students were more nerdish than I wanted.
I still went to a great school but the friends I made and the times we shared have done more for me than the lessons in class! My chosen school was more well rounded. Good luck and take chances and be open to all kinds of learning. You’ll never have the same opportunity again and you’ll still get a good career and lifelong lessons!