EHS College Research and Selection Process

The College Research and Selection Process

Step One: Clarify Your Interests, Values, Aptitudes and Skills
Before flipping through college viewbooks or logging onto campus websites, students need to begin the process of selecting colleges by examining themselves. Think about the factors that have helped you be so successful in high school. Think about the factors that have nurtured your talents and interests. What are the common threads? Small classes? Time with teachers? Straight lecture style? Self-designed curriculum? Independent study and research? Do you flourish with presentations and group projects or do you prefer more structured and defined curriculum? Know thyself — it is the key to the college searchl Take a moment to write down the factors that have helped you be successful in high school.

Step Two: Envision the Experience
Ask yourself, “What would my ideal college atmosphere look like? What special programs would enhance my experience on campus? What programs weren’t offered at my high school that I’d love to try?” While you want the campus to be a comfortable “second home,” your college years provide time to explore your interests and expand your horizons. Don’t go blindly into selecting schools just because you’ve heard they have a decent reputation or because your friends are considering attending. The perfect campus for your buddies may not be the perfect place for you. Imagine your ideal setting and then use the research tools and personal advice and guidance to help you find it. Take a moment to complete this statement:

My ideal campus would offer:

________________________________________________________

Step Three: Rank Your Values 1-12
Consider what is most important to you. Think about what brings you greatest satisfaction. Use the ranking to help you narrow your list to campuses with opportunities to nurture your highest values.

_____ Academic Challenges	_____ Social Outlets
_____ Creative Outlets	_____ Competition
_____ Spirituality / Religious Affiliation	_____ Leadership Opportunities
_____ Service Opportunities	_____ Strong School Identity
_____ Independent Study	_____ Travel
_____ Career Development / Prep	_____ Personal Growth

Step Four: Identify Factors that help narrow your search
There are a vast array of colleges, universities and career schools to choose from. The “best” colleges are not necessarily better, only more selective. There are a lot of “right” schools.The first step in selecting the right school for you is to consider what you hope to gain from the college experience. Evaluate your strengths and ask yourself, “Will this school encourage me to do my best and achieve my goals?” Once you reflect upon your talents, interests, and goals, consider the importance of the following characteristics:

Type of institution: Is the school a college or a university, public or private two-year, four-year, religious, military or technical? Does the campus focus on pre-professional programs, cooperatives, or liberal arts?

Location - Do you want to stay close to your family and friends or would you be comfortable coming home only twice a year? If you get involved with campus activities, would it be important to you to have family close by for support? How will the distance impact the cost of attendance? Select one or more geographic areas:

New England
Mid-East
Southwest
South
West
Midwest
Outside US (Puerto Rico, Canada)

College Setting - Do you want to stay close to your family and friends or would you be comfortable coming home only twice a year? If you get involved with campus activities, would it be important to you to have family close by for support? How will the distance impact the cost of attendance?

Large City
Small City
Small Town
Rural

Enrollment Size - How many students are full-time? How many commute? Axe there resident graduate students? What is the average undergraduate class size?

Majors/Curriculum: Are there a variety of majors to choose from? Does this school have an excellent program for your desired major? Even if you’ve selected a major, will there be an opportunity to experience different types of elective courses? Are you required to complete certain liberal arts courses before registering for major courses? Do you want to pursue an Associate's Degree (2 years) or a Bachelor's Degree (4 years)? In many cases you need not declare a major until your sophomore year if you are seeking a Bachelor's degree. Therefore it is permissible to apply "undeclared" adn choose a major later. Some majors involve so many required classes that it is helpful to start taking required courses as soon as possible. It is useful to consider long range career options as you make decisions about choice of major. View Choosing a College Major.

Athletics - Intramural or Division Level Athletics (Division I, IAA, II, III)

Special Programs - View Special Campus Programs to Consider

Demographics: What percentage of students are from New England? What are the ethnic backgrounds of students? What is the male/female ratio? Do most students have a particular religious affiliation?

Activities: Does the campus offer the sports, fine arts, or other extra-curricular activities that are important to you? Axe there off-campus programs?

Costs: What are the billable costs (tuition, fees, room and board) as well as the indirect costs (books, transportation, supplies, etc.)?

Admissions Policy: Is the school “need-blind” or “‘need-sensitive”? If a school is “need-blind” then it will make an admissions decision without regard for the family’s ability to pay. If it is “need-sensitive” then it will take into account the family’s ability to pay.

Selectivity - If the college is ranked "Most Selective", do you have the grades and transcript to give you a chance? Check your SAT scores to the range of the college to be realistic about the kinds of schools you are a looking at.

References (all available in the Guidance Department)

Occupational Outlook Handbook

Dictionary of Occupational Titles

Specialized Career Area Guides

The College Board Guide to 150 Popular College Majors

The College Board College Handbook

The College Board Index of Majors and Graduate Degrees

Rugg's Recommendations on the Colleges

Peterson's 4 Year Colleges

Peterson's 2 Year Colleges

Professional Degree Programs in the Visual Performing Arts

Peterson's Colleges with Programs for Students with Learning Disabilities or Attention Deficit Disorders

Peterson's Summer Opportunities for Kids and Teenagers - a summer job related to an area of interest can often be a good way to research career opportunities

Catalogs from Specific Colleges

CHOICES - PC-based computer program

CX Bridges - Internet-based computer program

Books can be used at guidance or checked out through the secretary.

Choosing a College Major

Special Programs to Consider

UNH College Fair

Colleges visiting EHS (pdf) This list changes daily so check the daily student announcments or with the guidance office. Seniors may sign up to visit a college any period and juniors may visit the college only during a study, lunch or free period. Students MUST sign up ahead to visit a college.

College Fairs

UNH offers a college fair each fall. This is a good opportunity to get a lot of information in a short time about regional schools. For more information...

Web Info

Finding the College that Fits You - editorial by a college admissions officer

Recommended Web Links