by Jeff Cody

Some students want to find the perfect college. The truth is, there's no such thing. However, you can find many colleges where you'll be happy and get an excellent education. The college search is about exploring who you are and what you want and then finding colleges where you can meet your goals. If you want to know how to choose a college, we’re here to help.

Although there may be many colleges where you’d be happy, it’s important to narrow the possibilities into a manageable list. Here are steps you can take to find colleges where you can thrive.

What College Should You Go to?

Reflect on what's important, where you want to be, and who you want to become. With those answers, you can figure out what types of colleges will allow you to reach your goals.

Here are some aspects to consider:

• Size

• Location

• Distance from home

• Available majors and classes

• Housing options

• Makeup of the student body

• Available extracurricular activities

• Campus atmosphere

Which of these are things you must have to be comfortable at a college? Which can you be more flexible about?

Also, think about what you want to accomplish in college. Do you want to train for a specific job or get a wide-ranging education? Ask yourself, "What do I want to go to college for?" If you have a major in mind, are the colleges you’re considering strong in that area?

Stay Tuned for Part 2 of this subject. In the meantime, consider attending one of our workshops by going to https://collegeplusretirement.com/webinars and look at the "Webinar" Tab.