I often say, that researching colleges and building a well-thought-out college list is often one of the more time-consuming steps of the college process.  Why?  Well, looking at colleges takes time, energy, and planning.  We know there are so many incredible options to consider and explore, and students sometimes say, “I don’t know where to start.” 

First, thinking about your preferences (the things you want out of a college) is helpful to start pairing down your search. Resources such as College Board Big Future is a good way to plug in your preferences and see what colleges match your interests. Here are some other ideas to get you started. 

1. College Fairs and High School Visits: Keep an eye out for local college fairs, where you can meet college representatives from all over the country.  This is a great way to learn more about different schools and meet the people who will often be reading your application.  In the Fall, typically college representatives come to high schools to meet with students. Find out which colleges are coming, and sign up!  These are two good options to also show demonstrated interest, for the colleges who consider it. 
2. College’s Websites: When we say to look at college websites, this is generally to track down academic information, details about clubs or sports, or other programs such as study abroad. Navigating college websites should be easy, but this isn’t always the case. Do your best to find class listings and other aspects of the school that are important to you. You can also often find virtual tours that can be helpful.
3. College Social Media: Another way to learn about a school is by following the school on social media. You can figure out the school’s values, personality, etc. You can sometimes also learn about upcoming admissions events.
4. College Visits: Perhaps the best way to learn about a college is by taking a tour. You will be able to see first hand what the campus, students and classrooms are like. You will also hear from the tour guide the important things that set that school apart from others.
5. Talk to current students: Do you know anyone who attends a college you are thinking about? Though each student is different in what they are looking for in a school, talking with current students is a great way to gain student perspectives and learn about things you might not find on a website. 

There are many ways to research colleges, and your Campus Bound counselor can point you in the right direction. With so many factors to take into consideration, we want students to spend the necessary time on the step of the process, working to build a thoughtful college list, based on fit. Happy researching!