When building a college list or making decisions of which colleges to visit, and we see this all the time,many students will rely on what their friends tell them and even make decisions randomly without doing the proper research.
While the college you attend will not necessarily make the difference between succeeding in life or not, it can certainly impact your trajectory. By taking control of your future and investing the effort ahead of time to identify colleges that will provide you with the proper resources and opportunities to set you up for success in life would be time well spent.
Well, this depends on various factors such as your academic profile, interests, geographical preferences, and budget. Visiting too many colleges can be overwhelming and time-consuming, while visiting too few would limit your ability to gather enough information to make optimal decisions.
A good rule of thumb is to visit at least three to five colleges that meet your academic and personal criteria. This would give you a good sense of what you will want in a college and help you make informed decisions about where to apply. One caveat here is that if you are interested in colleges that evaluate demonstrated interest then you should consider visiting those colleges as well as not doing so could impact your likelihood of admission.
It is also important to note that not all families have the resources or time to visit colleges in person. In such cases, virtual tours and online resources can be a helpful alternative.
It is useful to consider a variety of academic criteria to ensure that the colleges you end up visiting are likely to be a good fit given your academic goals. Here are a few criteria for your consideration:
Overall, looking at each of these elements will ensure that you are choosing colleges that will offer you the academic opportunities and resources you will need to be successful academically.
Here are a few personal criteria that you may want to consider:
Understanding the location and setting of each college is important. Many students have distinct preferences for the type of environment they will be in and you may be no different. Consider urban, suburban and rural settings, climate, and distance from home.
While it is impossible to know for sure until you start making visits and experiencing the campus culture for yourself, it is useful to do your research in advance to help you form your list.
Campus Dining: Here are a few lists to help you determine if the schools you are interested in are also known for the quality of their food. Also, don’t forget College Confidential as you will be able to get opinions from students who attend the schools you are interested in.
Student organizations: Part of building your resume once you are in college will be the student organizations and clubs on campus that you may join. In general, there are two reasons to join student organizations:
After all, college will be about working hard and playing hard. In either case, these organizations can provide a sense of community and belonging for students which can help to make large schools feel much smaller. Remember, you can make a large school feel small but you can’t make a small school feel large. Research the different types of student organizations available on campus and consider whether they align with your personal interests and goals.
Academic cultures are two different types of campus cultures that can impact your college experience. Some additional insights to consider
It's important to note that these two types of academic cultures are not mutually exclusive, and many colleges have elements of both. Furthermore, your personal preferences and academic goals may influence your preference for one type of culture over the other. It will be important to research and consider the academic culture of each college you are considering to ensure that it aligns with your personal preferences and academic goals.
Overall, you should consider the various factors that contribute to the campus culture when deciding which colleges to visit. By researching and considering these factors, you will ensure that you are choosing colleges for the right reasons and that will provide you with a fulfilling, challenging and enjoyable college experience that will prepare you for the real world.
Even though you will be able to create smaller communities for yourself that will make a school feel smaller, you may want to consider the size of each school, including the number of students and the size of the campus, to ensure that you will feel comfortable and thrive in that college environment. For instance, imagine you have back-to-back classes that are a 20 minute walk from one to the other and in the dead of winter that may feel like too much. On the other front, over the years I have heard many students express their dislike for small liberal arts colleges because they feel they are no bigger than their high schools were and they want a more expansive experience. It cuts both ways, but what will you prefer?
You will want to consider the facilities available on campus, including different types of housing options, dining facilities, recreational facilities, and other amenities.
Athletics: if you love to exercise and you are considering schools in cold weather climates, see what kind of athletic/recreational center the school has.
Housing options: Colleges offer a variety of housing options to accommodate the needs and preferences of different students. Here are some of the most common types of housing options:
Traditional dormitories: These are typically shared rooms in a residence hall with communal bathrooms and common areas.
Suites and apartments: These are typically larger living spaces that may include a kitchen or kitchenette, living room, and private bedrooms will tend to house 4-8 students.
These are just a few of the most common housing options but it is important to note that not all colleges will offer every type of housing option listed above and housing options will vary depending on the school.
Students should consider the diversity of the student body and the campus community to ensure that they will have the opportunity to learn from and interact with a diverse group of students and faculty.
Diversity on a college campus is important because it provides students with a well-rounded education and prepares them to succeed in an increasingly diverse society. It also helps promote inclusivity and reduces prejudice and stereotypes, creating a more welcoming and supportive campus community for everyone.
Overall, you should consider a range of personal criteria in addition to academic factors to ensure that you are choosing colleges based on your own data gathering. Doing your own due diligence will help you select colleges that will provide you with a fulfilling and enjoyable college experience.
Want more tips for your college visit? Get your Guide to College Visits and it includes an extensive checklist of things to do while you're there!
If you are interested in more personalized guidance on how to manage the college planning and preparation process, PCC is here for you. Get in touch with Princeton College Consulting today.