What to Look for in a School

Balance facts and feelings to find the school that best meets your needs.

Criteria to Consider
What are you looking for in a college? As you search, consider the things that are important to you. Certain types of students may have specific considerations when searching for schools:

• Tips for Adult Students
• Tips for Students with Disabilities
• Tips for Students Considering a Historically Black College or University

Campus Visits

• When you're interested in a particular college, call the admissions office to arrange a visit.
• Arrange your tour while classes are in session, so you're not touring a ghost town.
• The goal of the campus visit is to study the school's personality and decide if it matches yours.

Comparing Colleges

• Start narrowing down the list to four to six colleges that you would like to apply to.
• It's okay to choose several "dream schools" but balance your list.
• Choose a few schools you have a good chance of getting into.
• Include a "safe bet," a college at which you know you'll be accepted.