How did you narrow down your list?!

<p>All of you that have good lists/favorite schools/already in college what factors did you consider? How did you choose which schools to visit?</p>

<p>I would appreciate any advice. I keep researching schools to visit, but my list isn't getting any smaller.</p>

<p>I'm definitely applying to ND, GT, W&L, and Duke, but now I'm looking at Ivies and other NE and some MW schools. Anyone that wants to make a case for a particular school I would be happy to hear it!</p>

<p>What do you want to study? The biggest factor I considered is size, because I think that the difference in experience between a small school and a large school is huge. </p>

<p>Just a thought on your list, you do realize that your time at W&L would be vastly different from the time you would have at the other schools? W&L is an excellent school and will provide an excellent education, no doubt, but it just stuck out to me on your list.</p>

<p>When I was helping my son, I chose by his academic interests - statistics, econ, computer science. Large universities often have all three majors so choosing public in-state universities as his match/safety schools was easy. For private schools I looked at Rugg’s recommendations and chose schools that were on the lists for both econ and CS. Most of those were also good in stats and/or math. Then we visited the schools on my list. When it came time to apply he chose some of the ones we visited and added a few of his own that he had heard about from friends. He applied to 12 schools which was really too many. If you don’t know what you want to major in or have a major that many schools are good at, it can be more difficult. You will have to narrow it down by other things like location.</p>

<p>@ Nulli As far as size goes, I am positive I don’t want a school larger than Penn or Cornell. Those might even be a bit too big. Not sure.</p>

<p>I thought I wanted medium sized, not super liberal, pref city, Catholic school ideal but definitely not a requirement. Then I went to W&L. I really loved it! It’s rural and very small (both of which I previously wasn’t even considering). I know it sticks out, but I got great feeling when I visited there. Who knows…</p>

<p>@ Ricegal Thanks I’ll look at Rugg’s! I wouldn’t say I’m definitely decided, but I know I’m interested in IR, anthro, public policy, etc. And I think I won’t apply to any schools outside the NE/E and MW.</p>