College Searches

Where do you begin with your college searches? With thousands of colleges to choose from this can seem like an endless task. If you have not already determined your college majors and which degrees you want to earn, we suggest you go there first, as this will narrow your search. Then read the sections below to help you focus your college searches on what really makes a difference for you.

Three factors that you will consider in your college searches are:

• Geographical location
• Cost
• Does the school meet your goals and expectations

It is wise to remember that location and cost are factors that can be overcome by scholarships, financial aid, and loans.

Also remember that "meeting your goals and expectations" could be as close as your back door (well, probably not that close). In this case it can be less costly than you thought.

Values and college searches:

Before you even start your college searches, get your notebook, go to a quiet place, and write your feelings about your values. The value areas to consider are family, career, community, financial, extra-curricular, and spiritual.

Family: Do you want to be close to your family because they offer you support and encouragement, or are you yearning to get out on your own.

Career: Do you want to be the best in your field of study, which means a lot of work and competition, or do you want to do well, achieve moderate success and spend more time with your friends, family and community?

Community: Do you want to stay in the community you grew up in, or are currently living in, or do you prefer a change. Is that change a large city, or is it a small to medium size city? What does the community have to offer you when you aren't engaged in school activities?

Financial: Do you consider college an investment such that no matter what the cost, you know you will make it back in career advancement, or do you wish to keep the costs to a more manageable level? Perhaps you are fortunate and already have a fund set up to cover your costs, so this is not an issue for you. Whatever your situation, before beginning your college searches it's good to evaluate your options and make decisions knowing the costs and benefits.

Extra-curricular: What do you enjoy doing now, or what new things do you want to do? Do you want to do more than just party? If you are active in sports and want to participate on a school team, it's obvious this will play a factor in your college searches. Perhaps you want to have sporting activities just for pleasure. Maybe you want to crew, or sail or ski. If you love horses you may want to find a school that provides you with opportunities to develop your skills further. Do you want to learn more about the arts, music, theatre, dance, opera? Whatever you enjoy, consider attending a school that allows you to experience at least one of those things.

Spiritual: This is an area that has great meaning for some and none for others. Consider that spiritual values relate not just to your spiritual beliefs, but also to how you relate to people, nature and the world around you. If you attend religious services regularly and wish to continue to do so, will you be able to have the experience you are looking for in a different location? If you do not attend religious services, consider what you will do to nurture your inner self, and will the school provide you those opportunities?

Once you have your values clearly in perspective, along with the degree or degrees you wish to earn and your college majors, start your college searches. This will help you narrow your searches to colleges that are compatible with you.