Looking from a parent perspective? See our parent guides on supporting your student’s college search.
Starting your college search can feel overwhelming. With thousands of options, it’s easy to get stuck. This guide gives you practical steps to start researching colleges in a way that’s focused, manageable, and actually useful.
1. Step One: Know What Matters to You
Before you dive into lists of colleges, ask yourself a few questions:
- Do you want to stay close to home or go far away?
- Would you prefer a big school, a small college, or something in between?
- Are you looking for a specific major, activity, or sports program?
- Do you need strong financial aid?
Knowing what you care about will help you sort through the options and find schools that actually fit you.
2. Step Two: Build an Early List
Start by adding 8-10 schools to a basic list. You don’t need to love them all yet, this is your starting point. You can find schools by asking your counselor, using college search tools, or looking at lists by major or state.
BigFuture has a good college search tool.
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3. Step Three: Learn the Basics About Each College
Look for:
- Size: How many students go there?
- Location: City, suburb, or rural campus? How far away is it from your home?
- Majors: Do they offer the programs you’re interested in?
- Cost: What’s the published tuition and what financial aid do they offer?
- Campus vibe: Check photos, videos, and student reviews.
- Transportation options: Do they allow cars? How close is the bus station or airport? How will you get home for holidays or around town?
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4. Step Four: Prioritize Visits and Virtual Tours
If possible, start visiting campuses or attending virtual tours. Visiting helps you see if you can picture yourself living and learning there. Pay attention to how the campus feels and what current students say.
5. Step Five: Track Your Impressions
Create a simple worksheet table or use a notebook to track what you like and don’t like about each school. Write down quick notes right after you visit websites or campuses. Small details are easy to forget later. Here is an example:
6. Action Step: Set Weekly Research Goals
Start with one or two schools a week. Take 30 minutes to explore each one. Write down your top likes, concerns, and questions. This keeps the process from feeling overwhelming.
7. Final Thought
You don’t need to figure everything out at once. Starting your college search is about getting curious, paying attention to what feels right, and building a list you can refine over time.
Sources
National Association for College Admission Counseling. (2024). How to Start Your College Search.