NARROWING
SCHOOLS
IT’S TIME
TO START
NARROWING
DOWN YOUR
OPTIONS.
We’ve put together some
points to focus on that will
help you narrow down your
schools (whether you’re trying to
determine which ones to apply
to or decide the one you will
attend next fall).
Start out with a
good list.
Create a list of about 20
colleges/universities you want to
apply to. Be realistic about this
list and include a few ‘stretch’
or ‘dream’ schools (colleges
you don’t think you could get
accepted into, but that you’d
be proud to become part of).
Also include a few ‘safe’ schools
(colleges to which you’re
confident you’ll be accepted).
Work on narrowing this list down
until you have about five to seven (25
percent of students apply to seven
colleges (US News).
Location, location,
location.
Size.
In a 2009 study, the median distance
college students went away from
home was 94 miles (ERIC.ed.gov).
Activities.
Geography can make a world of
difference. Not only will a college
closer to your family make it
easier emotionally, in-state tuition
is often far more cost-effective
than paying out-of-state fees.
Majors (programs).
You might not have a clue what
you want to do in life, but if you
have a specific field you’d like to
pursue, make sure the college
you choose (or those you apply
to) have programs suited to your
interests. Not all colleges offer all
subjects or degree programs.
Cost.
The cost of college continues
to skyrocket. In fact, during the
past 30 years, it’s jumped 400%.
Cost can often be a determining
factor when planning to attend
college. Focus on a college/
university you can afford (and
one that won’t leave you quarter
of a million dollars in debt when
you graduate).
When determining which colleges to
apply to, you might not have any idea
about scholarships, grants, or loans/
aid yet. Plan accordingly.
The size of the school can be
important for many students.
It’s easy to get lost in a larger
campus with class sizes in the
hundreds (of students per class).
It’s easier to stand out and be
noticed at a smaller campus.
What kinds of activities does
the college or university have for
students? Are you interested in
athletics? What about debate
or chess or some other hobby?
Check out these activities
as they can make the entire
experience more fulfilling and
rewarding.
The more activities in which you’re
engaged, the better it’ll be when
applying to grad school or for jobs.
Residences..
Many colleges and universities
require freshman and
sophomores to live on campus,
but they do make exceptions for
those who live close to campus
or have family in the area with
whom they can live.
The cost of dorm living can be
significant, and it’s a good way to
help you narrow down your choices,
especially if you have a number of
colleges on your list that are not too
far from your home.