www.petersons.com

www.princetonreview.com

…to find out the statistical info regarding these schools, and what students are saying about the academics, environment, and student body. You must use wisdom and strategy in appying to college. You need to look at *many* factors to ensure a “good fit”, such as:

Does it have the programs you are most interested in?

Do you want to be in a big city or a more rural environment?

Do you prefer a school with a very large population or a smaller, more personable school?

How selective are the schools you are checking out? (how many students are applying vs. how many are accepted — what is the minimum SAT score they will accept — what is the minimal GPA they will accept, and what range are most of their students in)

How expensive?

What type of endowments are available? Scholarships? What percentage of students are getting scholarships?

Is the school known for its academics or its party atmosphere?

Is it a liberal or conservative environment?

What do the students say they like/don’t like about the school?

But don’t choose just one college, because if they don’t accept you, *you’re stuck*.

One of my favorite features of the Princeton Review site is the “What Students Say About…” which offers actual student comments about the academics, environment, and the student body. When I was looking for a school for my daughter, this site indicated that the students at Washington University in Saint Louis said “I love it here”; “I love it”, “I love being here” — and I knew my daughter would probably be very happy there too. She graduated from Wash U in 2000 and is still living just a few miles from campus. She really loves Saint Louis and the University City area, and I couldn’t convince her to move away! I hope you love where you end up just as much as she does.

After you have done your research and you are ready to apply to college: Pick two schools that are very selective “long shots”, two that are “maybe” schools, and two that are “sure things”. Apply to all of them. Wait. After a few months, the acceptance letters will arrive, and you will be able to make a great choice!

Hope all this info helps to get you exactly where you want to be, with no regrets. Best wishes!