To the class of 2007:

College Search & Selection
1

<p>As a senior who just went through the college process, i'll offer you some advice:</p>

<ul>
<li> When you go back to school in the fall, you'll be amazed at how quickly admission time comes up! So definitely try and get a head start. If you apply ED that almost means that you need to know what school you want to apply to ED in September</li>
<li> Definitely use college guides (Fiske especially helped me), web sites like princetonreview.com, and College Confidential</li>
<li> Summer visits will give you a sense of the place but i found that i wished i could have visited during the school year instead. </li>
<li> I applied to Allegheny, Brown, Case Western, Northwestern, Oberlin, the University of Rochester, the University of Pittsburgh, Wesleyan, and Wooster. I can answer questions on why I chose those schools and ultimately decided to attend Oberlin. I also looked at some schools like the U. Chicago, Carnegie Mellon, and Vasser.</li>
<li> Rewrite your college essay several times, and try not to freak out about it. Just write about something meaningful to you, it doesn't have to be about something crazy like a trip to the rainforest.</li>
<li> I think 11 was the most number of schools any of my friends applied to. I think that is a good maximum. Definitely narrow down your schools, but don't go into the mindset of narrowing down the school you want to go to and applying around that. Apply to leave your options open and have a few favorites if you aren't an ED person. When I started, Oberlin wasn't at the top of my list at all, and I almost didn't apply there, but now I'm glad I did. I do regret not applying to one school though. Leave the final weighing of the schools to after you've found out your acceptances.</li>
<li> ED can be both good and bad. I couldn't choose by then, but a few months later I know that I would have applied to a certain school ED. Make sure you know all the facts about it, especially about financial aid if you'll need it.</li>
<li> Try and apply for scholarships earlier rather than later.<br></li>
</ul>

<p>Good Luck with your college searches! I can maybe answer some general questions about applying and maybe some other people can add their advice.</p>

2

<p>Oh and don't stress!!
But do try and understand a school and learn as much as you can about it to begin with. (like take notes from college books if you borrow them, etc.)</p>

3

<p>Great tips estargrl; I'll try to keep them in mind this summer! :)</p>

4

<p>Thanks estargrl! I know that will help me and most others!</p>

5

<p>thanks.....this will definitely help me!</p>

6

<p>bump.............</p>

7

<p>i'm glad these helpful!</p>

8

<p>thank you :)</p>

9

<p>Though I only just began college, I thought of some things in my routine which I probably wouldn't have considered when looking at colleges but sort of matter. Here are my observations so far about things to look for.
* How close to campus are convenience stores? How quick can you get to them?
* In the winter, how far would you be willing to walk between classes? Are you willing to bike and is it easy to bike at the campus?
* How easy is it to add/drop classes?
* Will you have one on one advising sessions?
* How many different places on campus exist for eating on the meal plan?
* How good is the campus for studying? This means, are there lots of places to go, especially when it's nice outside?
* How much flexibility is there in general?
* How many different resources are around that are helpful? Learn student health services policies.
* This is optional, but see how many colleges have progressive ideas about saving electricity, recycling, making safe spaces, and committing to making everyone feel welcome. It's cool to think your college does this.
Alright, that's all for now. I may think of something later.</p>

10

<p>oh, and find out about how good the internet is. Meaning, does it go down a lot and is wireless everywhere?</p>

11

<p>Thanks for the advice! :) It can be a real daunting process when faced alone and uninformed.</p>