Greater Washington College Info Center: Outreach

Selecting Colleges

There are over 5,000 colleges and universities in the United States. Which ones are right for you? With so many choices, you can be sure that there are schools that match your academic needs, extra curricular interests and cost. The challenge is in finding them! Here are some tips:

Make a list of the characteristics that are important to you.

Do you want to study marine biology? Are you planning a career in radio journalism? A campus with a radio station would be a good choice.

How about location - do you want to stay close to home, explore a new part of the country, live where it's warm and sunny?

Think about size - are you more comfortable in environments where teachers and other students know you or do you prefer the activity levels of a large campus? How about student-teacher ratio?

Are you interested in an HBCU? An Hispanic serving college? A school with lots of diversity?

Do you love the city? Or want to get away from it?

What else matters to you?

If you're undecided or want to explore new options, try a college search! Each search asks you questions about your interests and needs and creates a list of colleges that match your criteria. Even if you think you know which school is right for you, college searches may help you find similar colleges that would provide additional options.

Review admission criteria

Is the school very selective or open admissions or someplace in between? Does your profile (grades, test scores, extracurricular activities, choice of major, etc.) match those of other entering freshman? If not, what can you do to improve your chance for admission? An interview with an admissions administrator at the college may help.

Visit as many colleges as you can

Take advantage of any college tours or visits sponsored by your school, church, community organization or the colleges themselves. Even if the college is not on your 'top ten,' you may learn something new that helps you with your final decision.

Make a list of 6-10 colleges that meet your needs

Contact the colleges to request information and applications. Find out if they are sponsoring open houses or overnight visits for prospective students. If the school is outside the local area, the local alumna organization may sponsor an information session for prospective students. Make sure that your list includes at least one college that you will likely be admitted to and that is affordable. On the other hand, reach for at least one college that may be more competitive or has higher costs but that you would really like to attend. You never know what you can do until you try!



	About Us Middle School Students High School Students Explore Careers Selecting Colleges College Admissions Tests Applying to College Career and Trade School Find Financial Aid Educational Talent Search Fact Sheets College Info Update Parents Adult Learners Graduate & Prof. Studies More Resources Newsletter				Selecting Colleges There are over 5,000 colleges and universities in the United States. Which ones are right for you? With so many choices, you can be sure that there are schools that match your academic needs, extra curricular interests and cost. The challenge is in finding them! Here are some tips: Make a list of the characteristics that are important to you. Do you want to study marine biology? Are you planning a career in radio journalism? A campus with a radio station would be a good choice. How about location - do you want to stay close to home, explore a new part of the country, live where it's warm and sunny? Think about size - are you more comfortable in environments where teachers and other students know you or do you prefer the activity levels of a large campus? How about student-teacher ratio? Are you interested in an HBCU? An Hispanic serving college? A school with lots of diversity? Do you love the city? Or want to get away from it? What else matters to you? If you're undecided or want to explore new options, try a college search! Each search asks you questions about your interests and needs and creates a list of colleges that match your criteria. Even if you think you know which school is right for you, college searches may help you find similar colleges that would provide additional options. Review admission criteria Is the school very selective or open admissions or someplace in between? Does your profile (grades, test scores, extracurricular activities, choice of major, etc.) match those of other entering freshman? If not, what can you do to improve your chance for admission? An interview with an admissions administrator at the college may help. Visit as many colleges as you can Take advantage of any college tours or visits sponsored by your school, church, community organization or the colleges themselves. Even if the college is not on your 'top ten,' you may learn something new that helps you with your final decision. Make a list of 6-10 colleges that meet your needs Contact the colleges to request information and applications. Find out if they are sponsoring open houses or overnight visits for prospective students. If the school is outside the local area, the local alumna organization may sponsor an information session for prospective students. Make sure that your list includes at least one college that you will likely be admitted to and that is affordable. On the other hand, reach for at least one college that may be more competitive or has higher costs but that you would really like to attend. You never know what you can do until you try!