http://www.ericdigests.org/pre-923/college.htm is a good document to help you understand the process better

Barron’s Profiles of American Colleges 2007 will help you–it gives a profile of what the colleges offer academically, socially, campus-wise, etc. and admission requirements. I used Barron’s when I first looked at schools in 1971..31 years later, my son did likewise in 2003 when he looked for his college. Most libraries have a copy of this book, and school guidance departments.

FastWeb is a source online not only of colleges but of schoalrship sources.

The important things to decide, especially in New England:

1-city or campus environment (many are in the cities of Boston, Hartford, Providence etc.)

2-Major-The major can be a big distinguishing mark between Boston College and Boston U and even between MIT, Northeastern, etc.

3-Costs besides tuition–for instance if you live in an urban environment, it may cost more for room and board, and living expense, or you may have a cafeteria plan.

5-Interests such as sports, theater, extra curricular programs

6–Distinguished alumni and established alumni association to help with job

7–Social life (you’ll probably want to visit a few of the campuses if you can)

8-Career Placement after school–some are better than others.

9-Types of dorms

10–It may or may not be important to you if they have a church on campus, or temple, mosue, etc…

11-Do you want to consider some of the better Jr colleges fdirst, get an Associate’s degree, than move into the 4 year school? Will you be pursuing a course of study that will require a graduate level degree?

12-If not an urban school, what type of recreational, fun activities are in the area, and what type are off campus? Can you drive? Can you own a car? Mas transit?

Just some suggestions

William Paterson

Good Luck..and enjoy the rest of your summer..