Where do we even start with our search?

With nearly 3,000 four-year colleges and universities in the US, narrowing down a choice to a single school is a tall order. Add in the emotions of this life transition and it can feel completely overwhelming at times. We’re here to provide some tips and information to help you and your student navigate this significant decision.

First, where do you even start? You probably have some schools in mind already, whether because of family tradition or institutional reputation. Before building a list, determine what your student’s top 3-5 priorities for school are. Is there a distance from home that is too far (or too close)? Does your student have a specific degree program in mind? Are they looking for a big-time athletic atmosphere or a quaint school tucked away from hustle and bustle? Separating the “must-haves” from “would be nice” is an important place to start. It doesn’t matter how many generations of your family have attended a school if they don’t offer the degree program your student wants to pursue.

Once you have your criteria list, use it to your advantage to trim the college list down. There is such a thing as too many options, known as choice overload (read more about that here: https://thedecisionlab.com/reference-guide/economics/the-paradox-of-choice). In short, if a school doesn’t have the must-haves, it shouldn’t be on your list, no matter how great its reputation is. Using clearly definable criteria to eliminate choices will leave you with a more manageable list that won’t be as overwhelming to consider.

Then what? Start doing your research individually and as a family. Visit school websites to learn more about the campus, academic programs, and financial aid options. Social media accounts can provide insight into student life on campus. Have conversations with an admissions counselor, faculty member, and/or current student. Participate in a campus visit, preferably in-person, but virtual is ok to start if travel is prohibitive. Keep notes about the things you love and the things you don’t.

This is a big decision, one involving investments of both time and money. So take your time, don’t be afraid to ask any questions you have, and know that your student can also change their mind (this isn’t a forever decision!).

We’ll continue with more insights and advice. If you have questions about this post or requests for future topics, please send them to admissions@ucwv.edu. And if you’d like to visit our campus, you can sign up for a personalized tour here: https://www.ucwv.edu/campus-visits/