How to Find Colleges That Might Be Right For You

WhittierCollegeCampusYou’ve already made a great start by exploring the Whittier College
Web site.

There are many other resources for you to access. Among them:

  • Your high school counselor and teachers will have recommendations for you based upon their experiences and their observation of your skills and abilities
  • When you take any of the national standardized tests (PSAT, PLAN, SAT I, ACT), the registration form will give you the opportunity to release your name and contact information to colleges that have an interest in students like you. You will then receive, via regular mail and electronically, information that you will certainly want to review and discuss with you family and friends.
  • College guidebooks. There are many of them. Our favorites are the books that present objective information about enrollment, programs, costs, and student life. Be wary of the books that claim to rate colleges; remember the only rating that really matters is whether or not a college meets your needs. We recommend:

          -The College Handbook
          -Peterson’s Four Year Colleges
         - College Admissions Data Handbook

  • Web sites.The College Board (www.collegeboard.com), The Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (www.aiccu.org), and Peterson’s (www.petersonsguides.com) have tools to help you search for colleges based on factual criteria. To find the Web site for a specific college or university, www.google.com is often the fastest route. The site for the National Association of College Admission Officers (www.nacacnet.org) offers advice and counsel on the college selection process, as well as a listing of National College Fairs.
  • College admission representatives will be visiting high schools and attending college fairs throughout the U.S. Do take advantage of the opportunity to chat with them. Not only can you have your questions answered, but you can begin to understand the differences between colleges and make your selection process a more informed one.  Click here to learn more about Where We Travel.
  • Ask colleges for information. They will be delighted to comply, and asking is usually as easy as sending an e-mail, filling out a form on a Web site, completing a card at a college fair, or giving them a call. Don’t be shy.