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Researching colleges can include visiting college campuses, attending information sessions, and meeting college representatives. However, before scheduling a visit, students should begin their research on the college’s website.
Start with the college's homepage, and from there, explore sections such as "About Us," "Academics," "Admissions," "Student Life," and "Research." Reading the mission statement provides insights into the college's history and values. When it comes to academics, explore the majors and departments you are interested in. Check for research opportunities, academic facilities, available minors, and study abroad programs. Investigate resources such as subject tutoring or learning disability support, which could be vital during your college years.
The admissions page is another crucial area. Here, you’ll find application requirements and deadlines. Make sure to note whether the school uses the Common Application or another platform. On the admissions page, you should see a way to sign up to receive email notifications about any admissions events. You can also schedule tours and info sessions, both online and in person. Connecting with admission counselors can give you a more personal understanding of the college. You won't be studying 24/7 so it's important to explore what student life at each college looks like. This will be an important part of your college experience, so take the time to review options for clubs, study abroad programs, and volunteer opportunities. Check to see if you can find the link to issues of the student newspaper or other student-run publications. Reading these will give you further insight into the school. Look into housing options and how roommate matching/selection works. If you have a special hobby or interest, see if the college offers living-learning communities."
Health and safety should not be overlooked. Investigate the Student Health Center, counseling services, and campus security. Be sure to ask about dorm security, escort services for late-night walks, and the availability of emergency services. If transportation is a priority, find out whether first-year students are allowed cars and explore campus shuttle options, especially if you’ll need transportation off-campus.
On the financial aid page (a sub-page to the admissions page) use the online Net Price Calculator to assess affordability, and reach out to financial aid officers with specific questions. Many schools offer scholarships, so ensure you’re aware of all financial aid opportunities. Lastly, don’t forget to explore the college’s career center. Look for internship programs, job fairs, and alumni connections that support your long-term career goals. Most colleges offer resources such as resume-building workshops and meetings with industry professionals.
In addition to the school websites, you can also find useful information using the Common Data Set (CDS) which includes class sizes, student-faculty ratios, and graduation rates along with data about acceptance rates, average GPA, test scores, and other useful statistics. This data helps assess whether the college aligns with your profile.
By thoroughly exploring these sections of the college’s website, students can make more informed decisions about which schools align with their academic, personal, and financial needs.