You know a few colleges already: the famous ones, the local ones and a few from out of state that have won a football championship or the heart of your older cousin.

But what about the other couple thousand colleges out there? How do you find out about those? As you think about senior year, here is some advice about how to find your best college match.

FAIRS
Go to college fairs

College fairs are held in your high school gym or a local conference center. At a college fair, you will have the chance to speak with representatives and receive information about their schools.

“Students can pick up information on majors, scholarships and financial aid, cost of attendance, an overview of the college, information on visiting, alumni, student life activities, housing and much more,” says Michelle Lockhart, director of undergraduate admission at Oklahoma City University (okcu.edu).“In addition to the materials that are handed out, the university representative behind each table at a college fair is a wealth of knowledge about the institution, and they are able to answer additional questions students may have.”

Why should I go to one?

Visiting a college fair is a great first step. “Most students don’t recognize just how many colleges and universities are out there,” Lockhart says.

“We also look for students at the fair that we are already getting to know so that we can talk with them about any questions they may have as they continue their search and move through the admission process.”

CAMPUS TOUR
Don’t just look at pictures online

College tours are run by current students at the school.

“Taking a tour is important because you get more of a feel for the campus atmosphere,” says Kwame Lovell, a junior who is a tour guide at Hobart College (hws.edu). “When I took my tour, my guide told personal stories as we walked around campus, which made me feel more connected and welcomed on campus. As a guide, I do the same thing. I think it really helps prospective students.”