<p>So...I have a list of universities/colleges that I like, but I'm not sure what I need to specifically look at..</p>
<p>I looked at tuition, housing, and clubs and those stuff, but I'm not really sure what I need to do next...</p>
<p>Will you please help me? :)</p>
<p>Try out the college search tool on this website.</p>
<p>First find colleges that you can afford to attend and are likely to be accepted. Your “safety” schools should meet three criteria: affordabililty, academic acceptance, and likeability. It’s not a safety school unless you can get accepted, afford to pay for it, and want to go there.</p>
<p>A safety school is one which may accept the majoritiy of applicants and your stats place you squarely in the middle 50%. It may also be a more selective school where you are in the top 25% by stats. Certain schools aren’t safeties for anyone.</p>
<p>First, if you have a passion, make sure the colleges on your list offer it. Next, I’d look at location (part of the country and urban vs suburban vs rural). These may or may not be as important to you. Then size and “type”, LAC or university, liberal or conservative, etc. After that, you should visit and see if you like the “feel” of the school. It’s better to do this while classes are in session.</p>
<p>Of course, whether you can get accepted or not is something you should consider, but not something you have much control over. As far as affordability goes, don’t worry too much about that until your financial aid package comes in. Just don’t apply Early Decision (binding) to a college you can’t afford. Keep in mind that you can afford an expensive school if you get a needs-based grant or a large merit scholarship. You odds of getting a merit scholarship are increased by applying to schools you are somewhat over-qualified for.</p>
<p>*So…I have a list of universities/colleges that I like, but I’m not sure what I need to specifically look at…</p>
<p>I looked at tuition, housing, and clubs and those stuff, but I’m not really sure what I need to do next…*</p>
<p>What is your major? and likely career?</p>
<p>What kind of college do you like? small? large? quiet? spirited with big team sports to watch? rural campus? city campus? </p>
<p>What is your budget? how much will your parents spend? If you need financial aid, will you qualify for the amount that you need? </p>
<p>If you don’t know how much your parents will pay, ask them. This is important. **Your budget and stats will very much influence where you should apply. **</p>
<p>Will you need merit scholarships?</p>
<p>What are your stats?</p>
<p>Also…you need to make sure that you have 2-3 financila safety schools . These are schools that you know FOR SURE that you have ALL costs covered…either thru ASSURED scholarships/grants, small fed student loans, and/or family funds.</p>
<p>Once you have thought about how far you want to go from home and considered the academic factors suggested already, you might start separating your schools into reach/match/safety. A lot of people use reach/match/safety academically – meaning how likely you are to be accepted with your stats – but you should also use that in terms of your financial situation. A private university may be an admissions safety if your stats are in the highest 25th percentile of applicants, but if you need a lot of financial aid to attend that university, then it’s a financial reach.</p>
<p>You might also consider size, major and the type of academic atmosphere that interests you.</p>
<p>Things to consider:</p>
<p>-Faculty- Class size- Endowment- On-time Graduation Rate- College Setting-</p>