Finding the college best suited to your needs requires thorough investigation and research. There are a variety of sources available to help you begin your search, as described below.

Educational Materials

Local libraries and bookstores have various reference books that provide profiles of colleges and universities by geographic region, prospective course of study, cost and other factors. Your guidance counselor may also offer a selection of books, pamphlets and directories to help you search for appropriate schools or you may contact a college's admissions office to request a catalog.

The World Wide Web

Information about most colleges and universities is available on the World Wide Web and can greatly simplify your research process. If you have Internet access, you can research information about colleges, scholarships and financial aid, college applications, admissions procedures, courses, campus activities, campus organizations and more. Through an online browser, you can usually find the Web sites for specific institutions simply by entering the name of the college or university that interests you. Electronic versions of college guides may also be found on the Web. This information can be printed and/or downloaded to your computer. See the following general college Web sites for helpful college admissions information:

Software Programs

College search software program(s), available at most software retailers, can be a useful addition or alternative to online information and/or written publications. These programs allow you to customize your college search based on academic eligibility, cost, location and financial aid parameters. You simply input your criteria and the program generates a list of schools that match your needs. Once you have targeted schools that are of interest to you, some programs can guide you through the application process. If your personal computer is connected to the Internet, you may also be able to request an application directly from the school.

College Fairs And Forums

College fairs and forums provide the opportunity for you and your parents to learn more about a variety of different colleges and universities. The best time to attend a college fair is early in your junior year, coinciding with the start of the college selection process. College fairs are generally held at high schools, malls, hotels and convention centers. Time constraints and costs make it impossible for each college and university to visit every high school. Instead, schools often send two or three representatives (usually admissions personnel accompanied by a student or recent alumni) to college fairs that draw students from numerous area high schools. High school students and parents can discuss a particular college with a representative, and/or obtain catalogs, brochures and applications.

Ask your school guidance counselor about upcoming college fairs in your area. You can also contact the National Association For College Admission Counseling (NACAC), to find out about college fairs nationwide.

Video Tapes And CD-ROMs

Videos and CD-ROMs are also effective tools for evaluating your college choices. Commonly called "video tours" or "CD-ROM tours," these tapes or CD-ROMs usually run from 30 minutes to an hour and provide you with a physical view of the school's campus, as well as information on the various academic, athletic and extracurricular activities offered. These tours are especially valuable if you are interested in schools far from your home. Instead of spending hundreds of dollars to travel to the school, you can purchase a video or CD-ROM tour for around $20 to $30. Many colleges produce their own tours, however, tapes from outside vendors tend to be more objective and typically include candid student interviews, information on both on- and off-campus housing, community entertainment and more. For information about college video or CD-ROM tours, consult your guidance counselor or request a tape or CD-ROM directly from the college.

Campus Visits

Though video tours can help you learn more about particular schools you are interested in, campus visits are the best way to "get a feel" for life at particular schools. A visit affords you a chance to learn more about a school before deciding where to attend. The best time for a campus visit is when school is in session. This allows you firsthand interaction with students, professors and/or coaches, and the opportunity to visit classrooms, libraries, computer labs, health and recreational centers and other campus facilities.

If you are planning to live on campus, be sure to visit a dormitory or residence center while visiting and seek residents' opinions about living arrangements. Ask about noise levels, the availability and maintenance of basic services such as laundry, telephones, plumbing, heating/ventilation and building upkeep. And, a campus visit would not be complete without sampling the cafeteria(s) or other on-campus food service outlets. Above all, review and discuss the safety and security of the living quarters. If you are unable to attend while school is in session, a visit during the summer months can still be helpful.

Educational Consultants

Another alternative for helping with the college or university search process is to contract with an educational consultant. These independent brokers charge a fee (sometimes a flat rate or a percentage of the tuition) to interview you, help evaluate appropriate matches, coordinate school visits and interviews and to assist you throughout the entire admissions process. While these consultants cannot guarantee you a placement, they can be a voice, an advisor and an advocate. Keep in mind, however, that consultants are not required to be licensed or certified. Therefore, before hiring an educational consultant, check his or her credentials and references. You may also want to ask if he or she has earned a Certified Educational Planner Certificate through the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA). While this certificate indicates that a consultant has met certain quality standards set by the IECA, it does not mean that consultants without this degree are substandard.

Excerpted from "A LifeCare® Guide: College Admissions." Copyright© 2001 LifeCare®, Inc. All rights reserved.

This publication is for general informational purposes only and it is not intended to provide any reader with specific authority, advice or recommendations. Where you deem necessary, we suggest that you seek advice regarding your particular situation from the appropriate professional.

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