Learn what you want from College
Start Early
Many students become overwhelmed when it comes time to create a list of prospective colleges. Most have never done anything like this before: How do you get started? What criteria do you need? Among the 2,400 potential schools, which are the best matches? The best starting point, ironically, is not with the colleges but with the student.
Students need to ask themselves some questions: What type of educational methods work best for them? What kind of academic atmosphere best fits their learning style? What college environment do they prefer? Where do they want to live for four years? What kind of social environment is preferred? This list isn't exhaustive, but it's a good place to start. Granted, some of these terms might seem too vague, so let me go through each.
All students learn differently. Some students want to apply what they learn in school to the real world. Consequently, a school like Kalamazoo (in Michigan) which integrates internships with classes, might be worth consideration. Other students might prefer theoretical models; for them the research universities might be a better place to attend (UC Berkeley or Yale). Some students enjoy attacking one subject at a time, in depth, instead of taking five courses per semester. A school like Colorado College, with its block program which allows a student to concentrate on one subject for a month and a half, might be a good selection. The permutations are endless.
Academic atmosphere can greatly affect many students. Some students aren't comfortable in big lecture halls listening to a professor with 500 other students. They might absolutely fade in a big state university like the University of Colorado, Boulder. Other students thrive in close relationships with a professor guiding them through the complexities of biochemistry at a small school such as Grinnell or Carleton. Other students might need the motivation of a teacher to get them engaged in a subject. Schools such as Allegheny College in Pennsylvania are perfect for this type of student. The key to the process is to ask what your strengths and weaknesses are and honestly answer. Chances are you'll find schools that address what you want.
College environment is defined by shared interests. For example, if you don't care for football, then going to USC or Notre Dame might prove to be a bad decision. Some students are keen on liberal politics and social causes: Bard College or UC Berkeley might then be good choices. Other schools are more academically focused: places where students willingly will spend Saturday night in the campus library without any feeling of deprivation. Reed College is such a place.
Location can account for a lot. Geographically, where do you want to live? Next, do you prefer a rural, suburban, or an urban environment? Some students want to study on a pretty campus. Pepperdine and Furman (South Carolina) are two of the most beautiful campuses. Learn what's important to you.
Consider a school's social environment. Greek Life (fraternities and sororities) can strongly influence it. A lot of schools in the South and East have large portions of their student body in fraternities. You best know which, if this is an issue. Separately, some students prefer living in residential colleges where it's easy to meet a range of students. University of Pennsylvania's house system, might be a perfect answer.
Two sources are recommended in the self-evaluation process: How to Get into the Top Colleges by Richard Montauk, Prentice Hall, 2006 has an extensive list of questions (pages 32-38) to spur on even the most timid students; and, Fiske Guide to Colleges 2009 by Edward Fiske, Sourcebooks, Inc. 2008 has detailed descriptions covering academics, social life and quality of life. Both will help make a seeming overwhelming process manageable, maybe even enjoyable.