Four steps to finding the right college for you

civen By civen The Post-Standard
on April 02, 2008 at 11:36 PM, updated April 04, 2008 at 11:19 AM
Syracuse University student Emily Thompson, an art history and public policy student from Orange County, leads a group of junior high school students and their parents on a tour of the university.

Getting into college can seem like a game.

There are lots of options for higher education out there, and you can only pick one. Colleges, in turn, are looking for students who will maintain their academic standing and the quality of their campus life.

But don't worry. It's a game both you and your future college can win if you know the rules.

If you're a high school student who wants to get into the college that's right for you, here are the four steps you must go through.

Your college hunt has just begun. It's time to narrow your choices, get a sense of what you want out of your college experience and do as much research as you can. Here are some tips:

Make a list of what you want in a college:
Do you want to go to a big school or a small school? Do you know what you want to study or are you still searching? What extracurricular activities are important to you? Do you want to go to a big city or a small town? Do you want to stick close to home or go far away?

Find out as much as you can about the colleges you're interested in:
Read college directories, brochures that schools send out and check the Internet. Here are some sites to get your started:,,,

Talk to experts:
Meet with your high school guidance counselor to plan your academic course work and to find out options for college. Discuss what you want in a college with your parents, and find out what they are thinking of for you and how much money they can contribute. Your guidance counselor can give you timetables and information about financial aid deadlines.

It's time for the college visit. You can see the campus, meet some professors and listen to students' experiences. You get a chance to see what the community around the college is like and whether you like the climate and culture. Here are some tips for the visit:

When should you visit?
The best time is before you apply, but there's value in visiting again after you're accepted to make sure the school is a good fit. Visit when classes are in session, so you can see campus life, go on a tour and informally talk to current students.

What should you look for on your visit?
Try to assess the college's academic goals and see if they mesh with yours. Ask about the program you plan to major in, and see if it is strong. Meet with professors in the specialty you wish to pursue. Ask about the college's four-year graduation rates, size of incoming freshman classes and percentage of classes taught by teaching assistants. Does the college have the athletic and extracurricular programs you want? What percentage of students stay on campus during a typical weekend? Do you like the community where the college is located? Is the community safe? Do you like the weather? Do students you meet seem to like the college? What are the dorms like? How's the cafeteria and the campus food?

Who should you bring on your visits?
Your parents. They will look at the school from a different perspective that can be valuable to you.

What else should you know?
Attend at least one class during your visit, preferably in your major. Schedule a meeting with an admissions officer and ask questions about financial aid and what you can expect this school to offer. Keep an open mind.

It's time to fill out college applications and write your essays. Here are some tips:

How can you obtain college applications?
You'll get applications when you go on tours or from college materials sent to your home. They are also available online. You can fill out applications for more than 300 colleges at

What's the most important part of the application process?
Make yourself stand out as a distinct individual with an interesting background, experiences and opinions. Colleges aren't just looking for students who excel academically; they want students who will add interest to the classroom culture. Be sure to meet application deadlines.

How can you make your essay shine?
Keep it short. Be sincere and honest and show some depth. The college wants to know not just what has happened to you, but how you reacted to those experiences. Don't use gimmicks. Do let someone else read your essay to proofread and critique it. Be open to suggestions for improvement. No one writes a perfect first draft.

What about finances?
Assess finances with your parents and figure out what's reasonable. Find out from the college you're applying to what type of financial aid it will provide. You need to apply for financial aid by filling out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid form, commonly called the FAFSA. It's needed for financial aid for college, including government grants and scholarships. You can get the form at most high school guidance offices, college financial aid offices and online at Some privately run sites that might help are: and

It's down to the wire. You've researched your choices. You've made your visit. You've found out about financial aid. You've submitted applications and been accepted. What's your next move?
What criteria should you use to make your decision?
For most people, finances are a large factor. The financial aid award your college of choice will provide weighs heavily in the decision. Awards can be increased if your financial situation changes. You should also consider other factors such as whether you feel the college is a good fit, has the academic and extracurricular programs you want and is a size with which you'll be comfortable.

When should you make your final decision?
Most colleges have a May deadline for deposits for the fall. Deadlines are earlier for early decision and other programs so check with the college you are considering.

Once you're accepted, should you visit the college again?
Experts say it's a good idea. Stay over to see the college outside of the tour. Make sure you really like the atmosphere.Many colleges have visiting programs for students who have been accepted. You'll notice details you didn't notice on your first tour.

How involved should your parents be in the final decision?
Deciding which college to pick is a big decision, and you'll want your parents' input and advice, as well as financial assistance. They have your best interests at heart, so they can help you with the decision.