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Finding the Right College for You

The key to selecting the right college for you is understanding yourself and your educational goals.

 

Throughout high school, students need to engage in self-reflection, develop their interests and talents, and think about what they want for their future.

 

Here are some factors to consider when choosing a college:

  • Size

  • Location

  • Student-to-Faculty Ratio / Class Sizes

  • Campus Organizations / Greek Life

  • Graduation Rates

  • Student Profile

  • Programs of Study (Majors and Minors)

  • Career Preparation Opportunities

  • Admissions Requirements (Selectivity)

  • Cost & Financial Aid

  • Campus Environment (You must visit!)

  • Anything else that is important to you, personally 

 

Students should develop a college "wish list" based on these characteristics. This list can then be used to search for and decide on colleges that will be a good fit.

 

Understand that you do not need to know what career you want or what you will major in before applying to college. If there is a particular major you want, then add it to your "wish list." If not, it is perfectly normal to decide on a major while you are in college.

 

When it comes time to make your final college selection as a senior, match each school up to your "wish list," look back at notes from your campus visits, and discuss your options with parents and your school counselor.

 

You posses all the tools and self-knowledge necessary to decide which college is right for you.

 

 

 

College Search Engines

College Search Engines can be a great place to begin researching what different colleges have to offer. Many of these search engines allow you to set personal parameters to refine your search. Start your search using the links below:

 

 

Career Cruising

All FlexTech students have a Career Cruising account with access to college and career exploration tools.

To log in to your Career Cruising Account:

  • Go to careercruising.com

    • Username: flextech

    • Password: brighton

  • Under Login to my EDP enter:

    • Username: ft + first initial + last name (ex- ftjgambrel)

    • Password: flextech

 

Cappex

Create an account and search schools to see which might be the right fit for you.

 

 

Big Future

This site, powered by College Board, offers many resources on finding your college fit, including a comprehensive college search.

 

 

College Navigator

Students can build a list of favorite colleges for side-by-side comparisons.

 

 

COLLEGEdata

This is another site allowing students to search for college matches.

 

Other College Search Resources

Michigan Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers

Gain access to all the largest College Fairs and events taking place in Michigan.

 

The Fiske Guide to Colleges

The Fiske Guide to Colleges by Edward Fiske, helps students set their college search criteria and offers information on more than 300 schools across the country.

 

College is Yours 2.0

College is Yours 2.0: Preparing, Applying, and Paying for Colleges Perfect for You by Patrick J O'Connor, is an easy-to-read book geared towards students and filled with helpful information for engaging in the college selection process throughout high school. 

 

Colleges That Change Lives

Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change The Way You Think About College by Loren Pope, includes write-ups of unique colleges from across the country. The schools in this guide are private liberal arts schools focused on student-centered learning. 
 

 

 

Resources:

https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/

College Is Yours 2.0 by Patrick J. O'Connor

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