How to Find Your Perfect College or University

For many, deciding which college to spend the next four years at can seem daunting. But, at Star Prep Tutors, we believe it shouldn’t be. Here are our tips and tricks on how to find which college is right for you: 

1. Identify your Priorities: What matters to you? On a piece of paper, write down what you hope to get from your dream college experience. Consider factors such as campus size, campus culture, academic programs, and location when making this list. This list will help you narrow your search. 

2. Academic Program Strength: Now that you know which academic program you are interested in, start looking at which colleges offer it and which colleges excel in it. Generally, it is helpful to pick out several schools for each of the following categories: reach schools (among the best colleges for that program; competitive admissions), mid-range schools (schools who are ranked well in the program; semi-competitive admissions), and safety schools (schools who are okay in the program; relaxed admissions). 

3. Thin Out The Herd: Compare the schools you have just picked out to the list you had originally created. This is when you start to form an idea of which schools you may end up attending. Choose the schools in each category that best fit your dream college experience criteria.

4. Apply: The truth is, almost no one knows which college they are going to end up at.​​ Now, we have narrowed it down to a few colleges that would still deliver an ideal college experience according to your expectations. The final step is to apply. 

The “right” college for you will be the one that most closely aligns with your list. Therefore, once you hear back from all the colleges you applied to, you will be able to decide which is the perfect college for you. Most importantly, trust your instincts when making the final decision. Good luck!