Have fun learning about colleges!
As a college admissions consultant, one of the most fun things I get to do is learn about many different colleges and universities, and the unique aspects of their academic programs, student communities, campus facilities, and off-campus opportunities. The more I learn about individual schools, the more I am convinced that there is a great college or university out there for nearly every student who wants to go to college.
This week I had the opportunity to attend a web event through IECA (Independent Educational Consultants Association) focusing on the University of Rochester. Their Director of Admissions talked with us about the university’s emphasis on interdisciplinary studies, their search for applicants who exhibit strong academic character, and the many opportunities for students in the city of Rochester and the surrounding area. I had known previously that the University of Rochester was known for its excellent school of medicine—but little else. I now have a much better understanding of the breadth of what the university has to offer.
This ever-growing body of knowledge, aided by my involvement in professional organizations such as IECA, is one of the things I offer as a college counselor, and one reason why working with me can make a real difference for my clients. Here are a few simple tools I use that can aid you with your own college search:
Edward Fiske puts together an annual Fiske Guide to Colleges that goes beyond the traditional rankings-style approach used by the likes of U.S. News and World Report and Princeton Review. I like all these resources, but I prefer Fiske’s more personalized approach. I get a better feel from Fiske for each school’s unique personality.
Frederick Rugg has now written 35 editions of his quirky PDF-only “Rugg’s Recommendations” guides. Rumor has it he’s retiring from this work, but I still reference his most recent guide before I make a confident claim that a college or university has a particularly strong program in any specific subject area.
Niche.com has a detailed, searchable database of colleges and universities that can help you locate schools by size, geographical location, selectivity, and more.
Regional open houses for prospective college students are often well attended by many colleges and universities. They are a great way to speak directly with a representative from the college (usually their regional admissions recruiter) and get to know them. This is helpful both for helping you to get a sense of the school and vice-versa.
Friends and family who have attended a particular college or university can offer behind-the-scenes insight into what it’s actually like to attend a particular school.
Most of all, visit schools! You will begin to gain a strong sense of what kinds of schools feel like home to you and which ones don’t. Remember that you’re not after perfection—but what you are after is a place where you can imagine yourself living, working, and learning for the next four years.
