As spring approaches, high school juniors are faced with this constant question: Where are you going to apply for college?
This brings on another wave of questions, such as “What should I study?” “What should I look for in a college?” “How far should I move?” “Should I go to a private school or a public one?”
In no time, all of these thoughts can get pretty overwhelming.
These five steps can help you focus your college search.
1. Estimate a minimum and maximum distance from home. Say, for example, the closest you would want your college to be is 30 minutes away from home, while the farthest you would want to travel for school is five hours.
2. Make a list. Make a general list of any and all colleges you would possibly want to visit. Jot down the school’s Web site, address and admissions phone number with your list.
3. Consider cost. Decide on a maximum price range that you are willing to pay for tuition.
4. Follow your interests. Think about what fields you may want to study. Highlight any colleges left on your list that offer and promote those particular interests. Cancel out any schools on the list that do not offer programs of interest. If you are still unsure of what areas you might want to study and you do not have any particular passion yet, consider liberal arts schools or colleges with a variety of programs to give you the most exposure to all possible careers.
You don’t have to know now what you want to do with the rest of your life. What matters is giving yourself as many opportunities as possible to choose what really interests you.
5. Contact admissions. Call or e-mail an admissions counselor at the schools remaining on your list to get more information or set up a tour.
Narrow your list before you travel to avoid wasting time and money visiting schools that are too far, too close, too expensive, or don’t offer the right programs.
Focusing your attention on a smaller list of schools is key in organizing your search.
Sarah Girouard is an English major at SUNY Geneseo
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