Building a College List with Counselmore and Naviance
As the journey to higher education begins, high school students are often faced with the daunting task of narrowing down their list of potential colleges. With a myriad of options, the college planning process can be overwhelming.
However, in this digital age, researching colleges on platforms like Naviance College Search, Scoir, Cialfo, College Kickstart, and CounselMore have emerged as valuable tools to streamline the search process. These college search tools offer a wealth of information that can help students make informed decisions about their future, making it easy to learn how to build a college list. Here are some key factors that students should consider when utilizing these platforms to narrow down their list of colleges.
10 College Characteristics to Consider
Academic Programs: One of the most crucial factors in choosing a college is evaluating the academic programs it offers. Students should assess whether the college provides the major or field of study they are interested in pursuing. Additionally, they should look into the reputation and accreditation of the specific program, faculty expertise, research opportunities, and any notable affiliations with industry leaders. When searching for programs in business, engineering and nursing, for example, it is wise to connect with career services to see how they can help students build their resumes and LinkedIn profiles. This is where the Fiske Guide embedded into CounselMore and the college’s website are really helpful in providing more information about academic programs.
Location: The location of the college plays a significant role in a student's college experience. Factors such as proximity to home, climate, urban or rural setting, and accessibility to essential amenities should be considered. Some students thrive in bustling cities, while others prefer the tranquility of a suburban or rural campus. I also think of practical features like where will you be able to purchase groceries, go to a movie, or eat a meal; check out the campus surroundings in addition to the campus itself. This is where the Google Maps tool embedded into CounselMore is a terrific feature for helping identify what is important for your day to day life.
Campus Culture and Fit: College life is not just about academics; it's also about personal growth, social experiences, and extracurricular activities. Students should use these platforms to research the campus culture, student organizations, and the overall fit with their personality and values. Visiting college websites and attending virtual or in-person tours can provide valuable insights into the campus atmosphere. Within CounselMore we have access to the Campus Pride Index and Campus Impressions where students share their experiences and how best to get involved.
Size and Class Environment: The size of a college can greatly impact a student's experience. Larger universities often offer a broader range of programs and resources, while smaller colleges tend to foster close-knit communities and more personalized attention from professors. Additionally, considering the student-to-faculty ratio and class sizes can help students gauge the level of interaction they can expect with their professors.
Cost and Financial Aid: Financial fit is paramount as college is a significant financial investment, and students should carefully evaluate the cost of tuition, fees, and living expenses. College search platforms can provide information about the estimated cost of attendance and available financial aid options. Students should explore scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities to mitigate potential financial burdens. Be sure to fill out your social security number in the common app as it will link to the FASFA, CSS profile and often be entered into scholarship consideration.
Career Services and Internship Opportunities: Students attend college with the aim of preparing for their future careers. It is essential to research the career services offered by each college, including internship and job placement rates. Strong career services can significantly impact post-graduation success. This is THE most underutilized department by freshman and sophomore students. Be sure to work on your resume and LinkedIn profiles early and attend meetings on how to best leverage your internships early, this will help place you in positions that align with your interests and skills. College Flight Path offers the Strong Interest Inventory, support with developing a professional resume, and career connections - we are another outlet to help connect you to career services that you will connect with in the future.
Alumni Success and Networking: Examining the success stories of a college's alumni can provide insight into the potential opportunities and networks available to current students. Alumni networks can open doors to internships, mentorship, and job prospects after graduation. In other words, this is what you are paying for. Be sure to leverage connections in your region to help you land the job you desire.
Campus Facilities and Resources: A college's facilities and resources can greatly impact a student's educational experience. Students should explore the availability of state-of-the-art libraries, research centers, laboratories, student housing, sports facilities, and other amenities that align with their interests and preferences.
Diversity and Inclusion: An inclusive and diverse campus community enriches the college experience for students. Researching the demographic makeup and support services for underrepresented groups can help students find a college that embraces diversity and promotes an inclusive environment.
Admission Requirements: Lastly, students should review the college admission requirements of each college to gauge their chances of acceptance. While it's essential to have some reach schools, having a balanced list that includes safety and match schools can increase the likelihood of securing admission to at least one desired institution.
The best way you can narrow your list is to use the tools at your disposal. Check out our videos on how to optimize Naviance here and how to utilize College Flight Path’s platform CounselMore here.
By considering a multitude of factors, students can make informed decisions and create a balanced college list that align with their aspirations and goals. Remember, each journey is unique, so taking the time to research and reflect on these factors will ultimately lead to finding the best-fit colleges and universities for a fulfilling and successful college experience.
