You're committed to attending college. You even know what you'd like to study and you have some idea about what you might prefer in a college. Now, it's time to find three good choices.

Why only three?

It's a manageable number. If you limit your list of college contenders to three, you can keep track of the details.

NOTE: College-bound students should start preparing for college as early as 8th grade. You can still change your mind in senior year, but you'll feel more confident with your picks if you've prepared yourself in advance. Our College Prep Checklist will help.

College Picks : How to Get Started?

  1. Download our College Picks Organizer.
  2. Poll people you know about their college experiences. Cousins, neighbors, older friends, trusted teachers, your guidance counselor, your school principal, your family doctor - ask anybody who knows anything about college for recommendations. Add their suggested schools to your list. Your list may start out longer than three, but you'll narrow it down with research.
  3. Research recommended schools. The Internet is your quickest way to read up about this list of recommended schools. In a few hours, you can compare your list of priorities with each school's offerings. Set on attending a small, rural campus? If any of the recommended schools are large and urban, cross them off your list and move on.  Want to study marine biology? If one of these recommended schools doesn't offer a good program for your interests, reject it. Too far away? Cross it off.
  4. What have you got left? It's time for a campus visit. You wouldn't buy a car without a test drive would you? It's the same for colleges. If you never set foot on the campus, you won't know if it has the right vibe for you. To get the most from your visit, be sure to read Jason Hagerman's tips. If your favorite pick is just too far away from home to justify the expense, definitely take the school's virtual tour on-line. Plus, call the admissions office to request a chat with a student ambassador. Ask all the questions you would ask in a real campus tour.
  5. Still wondering if there are other options you should consider? Many students rely on US News and World Reports College Rankings. While students shouldn't necessarily just apply to a school because it ranks highly, this list does give students a sense of what schools are out there. And if you're thinking about community colleges, The College Board has great resources to help.

When you've finally made your picks, apply. Request application packages from these schools and submit all application materials by the deadlines.