by Jeff Cody
We are continuing our discussion on how to choose the right college. Please refer to and refresh your recollection of part 1.
Keep an Open Mind When Choosing Schools
What else should you look for in a college? Although it's good to have some idea about what college could be right for you, stay open to all the possibilities as you begin your search. Here are some ways to keep an open mind when deciding where to go to college:
Challenge your assumptions about what will work for you. Luis Martínez-Fernández, a history professor at the University of Central Florida, notes, "You may not think you're able to thrive in a large institution because you come from a small high school, but you may actually do better in that type of setting."
Talk to people who know you well. Tell parents, teachers, relatives, family friends, and your school counselor about your goals. Ask them if they can suggest schools that may be a great fit for you.
Don't limit your search. At the start of this process, you might rule out some colleges because you think they're too expensive or hard to get into, but this may not be true. Remember that financial aid can make college more affordable, and keep in mind that colleges look at more than grades and test scores.
Do Your Homework to Discover the Right College
Once you have a list of schools, it's time to research them in depth. To find the information you’re looking for, check out college guide websites, specific colleges' websites, and other available online tools.
Jot down your questions, and get answers by:
Talking to your school counselor or teachers.
Checking out colleges’ student blogs, if available.
Contacting college admissions officials directly or through tools like our Connect with Colleges feature
Asking admissions officials to recommend current students or recent graduates to talk to.
Visiting college campuses, if possible. For more information, see the Campus Visit Checklist.
Keep Perspective During College Selection
During your search, keep asking yourself questions about your preferences and goals. You continue to evolve throughout high school. Your answers to "What college fits me?" may change during the search process.
Remember that there are many good college that are suitable for every student, and you can be successful at many types of schools. At College Board, we introduce test scores as one additional factor to weigh as you balance your list. Think about grouping your colleges into three categories:
Safeties: Your SAT or ACT score is higher than the average score range of last year’s first-year class.
Matches: Your SAT or ACT score is solidly in the same score range as last year’s first-year class.
Reaches: Your SAT or ACT score is lower than the average score range of last year’s first-year class.
How to Decide What College to Go to
There's no easy answer to the question, "What college should I go to?" Everyone's aspirations are unique. There's a good chance you'll find several schools that check off every box. Consider what factors are most important to you. Keep an open mind, explore all opportunities, and send in several applications to keep your options open.
There's no shortage of excellent schools to prepare you for your future. Learn more about them at BigFuture. Narrow your options. Find the college that’s best for you.
Plan on attending one of our workshops on college affordability! Go to https://collegeplusretirement.com/webinars to register.