Selecting the college
As you review the factors in selecting a college, take a minute to consider your preferences. Then you can begin the process of looking for some colleges that may best fit your criteria.
Location
East (New England/Middle Atlantic)
Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont
Southeast
Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia
Midwest
Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota
South
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee
Southwest
Arizona, Arkansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
West
Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
Local
Oahu, Neighbor Islands
Foreign Countries
Type of institution
Two-year college
Four-year college
Public (State)
Private
Men and Women (Co-ed)
Men only
Women only
Size
Under 2,000
2,000-5,000
5,000-10,000
10,000-20,000
Over 20,000
Environment
Metropolitan area
Large city
Small city
Rural area
Small town
Athletics
Intramural
Intercollegiate
Division I
Division II
Division III
Activities
Student Government
Theater/Dance
Fraternity/Sorority
Radio/Television
Band/Orchestra
Newspaper
Fields of study
Agriculture
Biological Sciences
Business
Communications
Education
Engineering
Fine/Applied Arts
Foreign Language
Health Professions
Humanities
Math
Physical Science
Social Science
Undecided
Other
Now assess what is most important to you. Rank the factors in order of preference:
1 = most important, 2 = next in importance, etc.
Location, size, athletics, field of study, cost, type of institution, safety/security, environment, activities, special program, religious affiliation
Information about colleges is available in many places. Your high school counselor is one of the best sources of information. Going straight to the website of the college that you’re interested in can get you the most up-to-date information, and maybe even a virtual tour! You may also find information in the guidance section of your school or public library. A list of helpful websites as well as a bibliography of resources has been included at the end of this college planning guide for your reference.
