Finding the Right College in Ten Easy Steps

Choosing a college is far less difficult than most people think. There are just ten rules to remember.

1. Don't even think about making a final college choice without visiting at least your top two choices...more if possible. Visits are the only reliable way to learn about the campus environments of the colleges you are considering and how good a "fit" you might be. And bring your parents along if you can...you might find their impressions helpful.

2. If you follow only one of the ten rules, make it rule #1.

3. Don't make the common mistake of thinking that the colleges you have heard the most about are the best colleges (or the best colleges for you). Often, the colleges students hear the most about are those closest to their homes and/or those whose athletic teams appear on television regularly.

4. Take the time to identify and check out three or more colleges unfamiliar to you which would seem likely to admit you, offer the major(s) in which you are interested, and are located in areas in which you would like to spend four years. With any luck, you'll discover some great new options.

5. Choosing a college because your friends are or will be attending is just plain stupid. Choosing a college because your boyfriend/girlfriend is or will be attending is even dumber.

6. Do your research and be sure to separate reality from (often baseless) opinions. Lots of folks will refer to a college as "good", "hard to get into", "a party school", "too expensive", etc. without knowing the facts. Don't accept these kinds of generalizations without evidence.

7. Do not consider cost when putting together a list of colleges to investigate. That may sound strange, but it makes perfect sense because you really can not know how much it will cost you to attend a college until you have determined what kinds of scholarships or other financial aid you might be eligible to receive.

8. Write down and adhere to all deadlines. Write down and adhere to all deadlines. Does saying it twice illustrate how important it is? I hope so.

9. Don't be afraid to apply to a few "reach schools"you might be pleasantly surprised by the results if you are not entirely unrealistic. Apply to at least three colleges you like which are likely to admit you. Remember, choose these three colleges very carefully as they are the places you are mostly likely to wind up at. And, choose at least two "safety" collegescolleges to which you are virtually certain you will be admitted. Choosing "safety" schools they don't really like is a mistake many students maketake the time to choose safety schools you would be happy to attend.

10. With a little luck, you'll get into several colleges you like. Although that may make your final decision a bit difficult, can you think of a better problem to have? At this final and critical point, ask for input from those who know you best and whose judgement you most trust. Then, make your final college selection and don't second guess yourself. Realize that the steps you took getting to this point almost assure that you have made a good choice and that the next four years of your life will be a great adventure.

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Daniel Kane has worked in high schools, colleges, and universities for more than thirty years. He has websites on subjects including online education and education online .
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